Evidence of okadaic acid production in a cultured strain of the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum rhathymum from Malaysia

Taxonomy and abundance of epibenthic Prorocentrum (Dinophyceae) species from the tropical and subtropical Southwest Atlantic Ocean including a review of their global diversity and distribution

In the tropical and subtropical South Atlantic Ocean, studies on the taxonomy and abundance of benthic harmful algae are scarce and the region has been largely under investigated. In this study, morphological descriptions, molecular (LSU rDNA and ITS region) and abundance data of benthic Prorocentrum species from the tropical and subtropical Southwest Atlantic and three oceanic islands are presented. Moreover, a review of global benthic Prorocentrum species richness and distribution is presented. Eleven benthic Prorocentrum species were found in Brazil. Morphological and molecular data on P. borbonicum, P. hoffmannianum, P. lima species complex and P. rhathymum were provided. Prorocentrum panamense, P. cf. caipirignum, P. cf. concavum, P. cf. norrisianum, P. emarginatum/fukuyoi/sculptile complex and two not identified species were observed using scanning electron and/or light microscopy, and morphological descriptions are presented. Prorocentrum lima species complex was found at all investigated sites, in abundances up to 2 × 104 cells g-1 FW at the Northeast Brazil, while maximum abundance of all the remaining species did not exceed 1 × 103 cells g-1 FW. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago can be considered a hotspot of benthic Prorocentrum species diversity, with ten species registered. Data compiled in the literature review shows a clear latitudinal gradient with higher species richness in tropical and subtropical regions relative to temperate areas. It is also evident that there is a bias caused by taxonomic impediment and an uneven sampling effort, with many regions still to be investigated using a combined morphological and molecular effort. Therefore, the current knowledge on the global distribution of benthic Prorocentrum species is likely underestimated.

Morphology and phylogeny of Prorocentrum porosum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae): A new benthic toxic dinoflagellate from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

A new marine benthic toxic Prorocentrum species is described from the tropical/subtropical regions of the Atlantic (Colombian Caribbean Sea and Northeast Brazil) and Pacific (Southern Japan) oceans. Morphological cell structures were examined using light (LM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. Prorocentrum porosum sp. nov. was characterized by 35.9-50.2 μm long and 25.4-45.7 μm deep cells, covered by broadly ovoid symmetric thecal plates. The surface of both thecal plates is smooth and covered by randomly scattered kidney-shaped pores (n = 102-149), rounder towards the center, absent in the central part, and surrounded by a conspicuous marginal ring of about 69-92 evenly spaced pores. Broad V-shaped periflagellar area exhibiting flagellar and accessory pores. The molecular phylogenetic position of P. porosum sp. nov. was inferred using partial LSU rRNA gene (rDNA) and rDNA ITS sequences. This new species branched with high support in a Prorocentrum clade including P. caipirignum, P. hoffmannianum and P. cf. lima (P. lima morphotype 5 sensuZhang et al., 2015). Pairwise comparison of ITS1 and ITS2 transcripts with these closest relatives revealed the presence of compensatory base changes (CBCs), with the exception of P. cf. lima (P. lima morphotype 5), which only showed in ITS2 a hemi-CBC (HCBC) and two base changes that possibly induce a structural modification. Toxin analyses performed in two Colombian and Brazilian strains in the present study detected the presence of low amounts of okadaic acid.

Nontarget Screening and Toxicity Evaluation of Diol Esters of Okadaic Acid and Dinophysistoxins Reveal Intraspecies Difference of Prorocentrum lima

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis with the assistance of molecular networking was used to investigate intracellular toxin profiles of five Prorocentrum lima (P. lima) strains sampled from the north Yellow Sea and South China Sea. Mice were used as a model species for testing the acute toxicity of intracellular okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins (DTXs) in free and esterified states. Results showed that OA and DTX1 esterified derivatives were detected in all P. lima samples, accounting for 55%-96% of total toxins in five strains. A total of 24 esters and 1 stereoisomer of DTX1 (35S DTX1) were identified based on molecular networking and MS data analysis, 15 esters of which have been reported first. All P. lima strains displayed specific toxin profiles, and preliminary analysis suggested that toxin profiles of the five P. lima strains might be region-related. Moreover, acute toxicity in mice suggested higher toxicity of esters compared with free toxins, which highlights the importance and urgency of attention to esterified toxins in P. lima.

Taxonomy and toxicity of Prorocentrum from Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), with a description of a non-toxigenic species Prorocentrum malayense sp. nov. (Dinophyceae)

Thirteen isolates of Prorocentrum species were established from the coral reefs of Perhentian Islands Marine Park, Malaysia and underwent morphological observations and molecular characterization. Six species were found: P. caipirignum, P. concavum, P. cf. emarginatum, P. lima, P. mexicanum and a new morphotype, herein designated as P. malayense sp. nov. Prorocentrum malayense, a species closely related to P. leve, P. cf. foraminosum, P. sp. aff. foraminossum, and P. concavum (Clade A sensu Chomérat et al. 2018), is distinguished from its congeners as having larger thecal pore size and a more deeply excavated V-shaped periflagellar area. Platelet arrangement in the periflagellar area of P. malayense is unique, with the presence of platelet 1a and 1b, platelet 2 being the most anterior platelet, and a broad calabash-shaped platelet 3. The species exhibits consistent genetic sequence divergences for the nuclear-encoded large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2). The phylogenetic inferences further confirmed that it represents an independent lineage, closely related to species in Clade A sensu Chomérat et al. Pairwise comparison of ITS2 transcripts with its closest relatives revealed the presence of compensatory base changes (CBCs). Toxicity analysis showed detectable levels of okadaic acid in P. lima (1.0-1.6 pg cell^-1) and P. caipirignum (3.1 pg cell^-1); this is the first report of toxigenic P. caipirignum in the Southeast Asian region. Other Prorocentrum species tested, including the new species, however, were below the detection limit.

Taxocoenosis of epibenthic dinoflagellates in the coastal waters of the northern Yucatan Peninsula before and after the harmful algal bloom event in 2011-2012

Eutrophication causes the major impact in the coastal waters of the state of Yucatan. In general, loss of water quality and biological communities and massive development of toxic microorganisms are some of the consequences of this phenomenon. To reveal changes in species composition and cell abundance of the taxocoenosis of epibenthic dinoflagellates before and after a harmful algal bloom event in the water column that lasted about 150days (August-December 2011) in the Dzilam - San Crisanto area (northern Yucatan Peninsula, southeastern Gulf of Mexico) were the main objectives of the present study. In August 2011 and September 2012, sampling along 20 transects perpendicular to the coastline along the entire northern Yucatan coast, starting from 20 sampling sites from El Cuyo in the east to Celestún in the west, at a distance of 50, 150 and 250m from the coast, was carried out. Physicochemical characteristics measured before and after the bloom were within the ranges previously reported in the study area. Salinity was the most stable characteristic, with mean values of 36.25 and 36.42 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Phosphates were the only parameter that showed a wide range with higher values before the bloom (0.03-0.54μM/l). A total of 168 macrophyte (seaweeds and seagrasses), sponge and sediment samples (105 in 2011 and 63 in 2012) that included associated microphytobenthos were taken by snorkeling from 0.7 to 5m depth. Six substrate types were distinguished: Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyta, Angiospermae (seagrasses), Demospongiae (sponges) and sediment. Chlorophytes dominated the collected samples: 38 samples in 2011 and 23 in 2012. Avrainvillea longicaulis f. laxa predominated before the bloom and Udotea flabellum after it. In total, 25 epibenthic dinoflagellate species from 11 genera were found. The genus Prorocentrum was the most representative in terms of the number of species. The highest total dinoflagellate cell abundances were observed in the sites with different types of macrophytes (up to 2441cells/g substrate wet weight in 2011 and up to 1068cells/g in 2012). The lowest cell densities were observed in the areas with scarce or no macrophytes on sandy seafloor. Before the bloom, Prorocentrum rhathymum (up to 4995cells/g) and P. cf. sipadanensis (up to 5275cells/g) were the most abundant, and after the bloom the latter was dominant (up to 3559cells/g); in 2012, both variety of substrates and dinoflagellate cell abundance diminished. A canonical correspondence analysis revealed significant relationships between the physicochemical variables and epiphytic/benthic dinoflagellate species either before or after the bloom. The pelagic bloom resulted in the loss of substrate for epiphytic dinoflagellates, which caused replacement of the dominant species and a decrease in cell abundance of the whole taxocoenosis.

Dynamics of phytoplankton communities in eutrophying tropical shrimp ponds affected by vibriosis

Tropical shrimp aquaculture systems in New Caledonia regularly face major crises resulting from outbreaks of Vibrio infections. Ponds are highly dynamic and challenging environments and display a wide range of trophic conditions. In farms affected by vibriosis, phytoplankton biomass and composition are highly variable. These conditions may promote the development of harmful algae increasing shrimp susceptibility to bacterial infections. Phytoplankton compartment before and during mortality outbreaks was monitored at a shrimp farm that has been regularly and highly impacted by these diseases. Combining information from flow cytometry, microscopy, pigment and phylogenetic analysis, the presence of Picocyanobacteria, Prasinophyceae and Diatomophyceae were detected as dominant phytoplankton groups and Cryptophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae and Dinophyceae as minor components. At the onset of the first shrimp mortalities, Bacillariophyceae increased while Cyanobacteria, Prymnesiophyceae and Dinophyceae decreased in the water column, followed by proliferation of Prasinophyceae. Several taxa were identified as potential harmful algae (Cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and Phaeocystis).

Detection of Dinophysistoxin-1 in Clonal Culture of Marine Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum foraminosum (Faust M.A., 1993) from the Sea of Japan

For the first time the presence of dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) in a culture of Prorocentrum foraminosum was revealed in cells and in the culture medium. The clone was isolated from coastal waters of the Sea of Japan and identified by molecular analyses of SSU and D1/D2 regions of LSU rDNA. The concentration of DTX-1 in cells was 8.4 ± 2.5 pg/cell and, in cell-free media, 27.9 ± 14.7 µg/L. The toxin presence was confirmed by HPLC with high-resolution tandem mass-spectrometry.

Characterization of Prorocentrum elegans and Prorocentrum levis (Dinophyceae) from the southeastern Bay of Biscay by morphology and molecular phylogeny

Benthic Prorocentrum species can produce toxins that adversely affect animals and human health. They are known to co-occur with other bloom-forming, potentially toxic, benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Ostreopsis, Coolia, and Gambierdiscus. In this study, we report on the presence of P. elegans M.Faust and P. levis M.A.Faust, Kibler, Vandersea, P.A. Tester & Litaker from the southeastern Bay of Biscay. Sampling was carried out in the Summer-Autumn 2010-2012 along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, but these two species were only found in the northeastern part of the Peninsula. Strains were isolated from macroalgae collected from rocky-shore areas bordering accessible beaches. Morphological traits of isolated strains were analyzed by LM and SEM, whereas molecular analyses were performed using the LSU and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of the rDNA. A bioassay with Artemia fransciscana and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses were used to check the toxicity of the species, whose results were negative. The strains mostly corresponded to their species original morphological characterization, which is supported by the phylogenetic analyses in the case of P. levis, whereas for P. elegans, this is the first known molecular characterization. This is also the second known report of P. elegans.

An analytical perspective on detection, screening, and confirmation in phycology, with particular reference to toxins and toxin-producing species

Knowledge concerning the ability of microalgae to produce metabolites of interest such as toxins or high-value secondary metabolites requires exhaustive details to be supplied on how the research was conducted. These should include the microalgal species and strain characterization, the culture conditions, the cell density, and physiological state at the time of harvesting, the harvesting method, the sample pre-treatment protocol, and the subsequent instrumental analytical separation/detection system. In this comment, we discuss issues that affect algal research from an analytical chemistry perspective, particularly (i) the need to specify detection capabilities of the entire method (i.e., limits of detection or threshold detection levels), which we illustrate in relation to classification of a species or strain as being "toxin producing" or "non-toxin producing"; and (ii) the requirements that have to be satisfied to confirm a microalgal species (new or not) as a producer of a particular chemical of interest for phycologists, which again we illustrate in relation to toxins. A successful collaboration among phycologists and analytical chemists will only be achieved as a result of a synergistic collaboration between the two disciplines, with a reciprocal understanding at least at a background level.

Colorimetric and electrochemical phosphodiesterase inhibition assays for yessotoxin detection: development and comparison with LC-MS/MS

This work describes the development and applicability of two functional assays for the detection of yessotoxin (YTX), a polycyclic ether marine toxin produced by dinoflagellates. The assays are based on the interaction between this toxin and the phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme and the subsequent measurement of the enzyme activity by colorimetric and electrochemical methods. Firstly, several enzyme substrates were tested in order to select those able to be detected by colorimetry or electrochemistry after enzymatic hydrolysis. The substrates that provided the highest absorbance values and density currents were p-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate and alpha-naphthyl phosphate, respectively. After optimisation of the experimental parameters, limits of detection of 0.8 and 0.6 microM were attained by colorimetry and electrochemistry, respectively. An inhibitory effect of YTX on the PDE activity was observed. The assays have been applied to the analysis of YTX production by Protoceratium reticulatum cultures, and results were compared with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Identification of okadaic acid production in the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum rhathymum from Florida Bay

Extracts of fifty-seven newly isolated strains of dinoflagellates and raphidophytes were screened for protein phosphatase (PP2A) inhibition. Five strains, identified by rDNA sequence analysis as Prorocentrum rhathymum, tested positive and the presence of okadaic acid was confirmed in one strain by HPLC-MS/MS and by HPLC with fluorescence detection and HPLC-MS of the okadaic acid ADAM derivative. Quantitation of the ADAM derivative indicated that the concentration of okadaic acid in the culture medium is 0.153 microg/L.