Transcriptomic responses to grazing reveal the metabolic pathway leading to the biosynthesis of domoic acid and highlight different defense strategies in diatoms

Exposure to the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Lepidodinium sp. and its cues increase toxin production of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries

The present study examined the defense responses of toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia species (P. multiseries) to a mixotrophic dinoflagellate, Lepidodinium sp., and its associated cues. We evaluated their responses to different predation risks, including direct physical contact and indirect interactions facilitated by cues from Lepidodinium sp. during active feeding on heterospecific prey (Rhodonomas salina), limited feeding on conspecific prey (P. multiseries) and non-feeding (autotrophic growth in f/2 medium) states. This study is the first investigation of these trophic interactions. Our results demonstrated a significant increase in cellular domoic acid (cDA) in P. multiseries when exposed to Lepidodinium sp. and its associated cues, which was 1.38 to 2.42 times higher than the non-induced group. Notably, this increase was observed regardless of Lepidodinium sp. feeding on this toxic diatom and nutritional modes. However, the most significant increase occurred when they directly interacted. These findings suggest that P. multiseries evaluates predation risk and increases cDA production as a defensive strategy against potential grazing threats. No morphological changes were observed in P. multiseries in response to Lepidodinium sp. or its cues. P. multiseries cultured in flasks of Group L+P-P showed a decrease in growth, but Group L-P and Group L+R-P did not exhibit any decrease. These results suggest a lack of consistent trade-offs between the defense response and growth, thus an increase in cDA production may be a sustainable and efficient defense strategy for P. multiseries. Furthermore, our findings indicate that P. multiseries had no significant impact on the fitness (cell size, growth and/or grazing) of Lepidodinium sp. and R. salina, which suggests no evident toxic or allelopathic impacts on these two phytoplankton species. This study enhances our understanding of the trophic interactions between toxic diatoms and mixotrophic dinoflagellates and helps elucidate the dynamics of Harmful Algal Blooms, toxin transmission, and their impact on ecosystem health.

Algal blooms in the ocean: hot spots for chemically mediated microbial interactions

The cycling of major nutrients in the ocean is affected by large-scale phytoplankton blooms, which are hot spots of microbial life. Diverse microbial interactions regulate bloom dynamics. At the single-cell level, interactions between microorganisms are mediated by small molecules in the chemical crosstalk that determines the type of interaction, ranging from mutualism to pathogenicity. Algae interact with viruses, bacteria, parasites, grazers and other algae to modulate algal cell fate, and these interactions are dependent on the environmental context. Recent advances in mass spectrometry and single-cell technologies have led to the discovery of a growing number of infochemicals - metabolites that convey information - revealing the ability of algal cells to govern biotic interactions in the ocean. The diversity of infochemicals seems to account for the specificity in cellular response during microbial communication. Given the immense impact of algal blooms on biogeochemical cycles and climate regulation, a major challenge is to elucidate how microscale interactions control the fate of carbon and the recycling of major elements in the ocean. In this Review, we discuss microbial interactions and the role of infochemicals in algal blooms. We further explore factors that can impact microbial interactions and the available tools to decipher them in the natural environment.

Emerging phylogeographic perspective on the toxigenic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia in coastal northern European waters and gateways to eastern Arctic seas: Causes, ecological consequences and socio-economic impacts

The diatom Pseudo-nitzschia H. Peragallo is perhaps the most intensively researched genus of marine pennate diatoms, with respect to species diversity, life history strategies, toxigenicity, and biogeographical distribution. The global magnitude and consequences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) of Pseudo-nitzschia are particularly significant because of the high socioeconomic impacts and environmental and human health risks associated with the production of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) among populations of many (although not all) species. This has led to enhanced monitoring and mitigation strategies for toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms and their toxins in recent years. Nevertheless, human adaptive actions based on future scenarios of bloom dynamics and proposed shifts in biogeographical distribution under climate-change regimes have not been implemented on a regional scale. In the CoCliME (Co-development of climate services for adaptation to changing marine ecosystems) program these issues were addressed with respect to past, current and anticipated future status of key HAB genera such as Pseudo-nitzschia and expected benefits of enhanced monitoring. Data on the distribution and frequency of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in relation to DA occurrence and associated amnesic shellfish toxin (AST) events were evaluated in a contemporary and historical context over the past several decades from key northern CoCliME Case Study areas. The regional studies comprised the greater North Sea and adjacent Kattegat-Skagerrak and Norwegian Sea, eastern North Atlantic marginal seas and Arctic gateways, and the Baltic Sea. The first evidence of possible biogeographical expansion of Pseudo-nitzschia taxa into frontier eastern Arctic gateways was provided from DNA barcoding signatures. Key climate change indicators, such as salinity, temperature, and water-column stratification were identified as drivers of upwelling and advection related to the distribution of regional Pseudo-nitzschia blooms. The possible influence of changing variables on bloom dynamics, magnitude, frequency and spatial and temporal distribution were interpreted in the context of regional ocean climate models. These climate change indicators may play key roles in selecting for the occurrence and diversity of Pseudo-nitzschia species within the broader microeukaryote communities. Shifts to higher temperature and lower salinity regimes predicted for the southern North Sea indicate the potential for high-magnitude Pseudo-nitzschia blooms, currently absent from this area. Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms are evaluated with reference to effects on fisheries and mariculture resources and coastal ecosystem function. Where feasible, effective adaptation strategies are proposed herein as emerging climate services for the northern CoCLiME region.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for the estimation of toxigenic microalgae abundance in shellfish production waters

Certain species of marine microalgae produce potent biotoxins that pose a risk to human health if contaminated seafood is consumed, particularly filter feeding bivalve shellfish. In regions where this is likely to occur water and seafood produce are regularly monitored for the presence of harmful algal cells and their associated toxins, but the current approach is flawed by a lengthy delay before results are available to local authorities. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) can be used to measure phytoplankton DNA sequences in a shorter timeframe, however it is not currently used in official testing practices. In this study, samples were collected almost weekly over six months from three sites within a known HAB hotspot, St Austell Bay in Cornwall, England. The abundance of algal cells in water was measured using microscopy and qPCR, and lipophilic toxins were quantified in mussel flesh using LC-MS/MS, focusing on the okadaic acid group. An increase in algal cell abundance occurred alongside an increase in the concentration of okadaic acid group toxins in mussel tissue at all three study sites, during September and October 2021. This event corresponded to an increase in the measured levels of Dinophysis accuminata DNA, measured using qPCR. In the following spring, the qPCR detected an increase in D. accuminata DNA levels in water samples, which was not detected by microscopy. Harmful algal species belonging to Alexandrium spp. and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were also measured using qPCR, finding a similar increase in abundance in Autumn and Spring. The results are discussed with consideration of the potential merits and limitations of the qPCR technique versus conventional microscopy analysis, and its potential future role in phytoplankton surveillance under the Official Controls Regulations pertaining to shellfish.

Adaptive responses of geographically distinct strains of the benthic dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum lima (Dinophyceae), to varying light intensity and photoperiod

The toxic Prorocentrum lima complex can potentially cause serious harm to the benthos and entire food chain. Studies have revealed physiological differences in strains from different regions related to local environment, while differences in the adaptive responses of P. lima complex should be urgently assessed. Hence, this study explored the adaptive responses to varying light intensities and photoperiods of two P. lima complex strains SHG101 and 3XS34, isolated from the Bohai Sea and the South China Sea, respectively. We found the highest cell density of 7.49 × 104 cells mL-1 recorded in the 3XS strain in the stationary phase with high light intensity exposure. No significant difference was observed in growth rate among SHG groups, however, significant differences were found among 3XS groups ranging from 0.176 to 0.311 d-1. Three key pigments Chl a, Peri, and Fuco accounted for up to 60% of the total pigments. Production and concentrations of pigments and Fv/Fm values exhibit a significant negative correlation with high light intensity and growth. Conversely, total diarrhetic shellfish toxin content and the proportion of diol esters increased to varying degrees after high intensity light exposure, with 3XS strain under high light intensity and a photoperiod of light and darkness (12L:12D) consistently exhibiting the highest levels, finally reaching a maximum (21.6 pg cell-1) at day 28. A shortened photoperiod of high light intensity (8L:16D) resulted in impaired recovery compared with 12L:12D. Furthermore, 3XS showed more delayed and intense adaptive responses, indicating a stronger tolerance compared to SHG. Collectively, these results directly characterized variation in the adaptive responses of geographically distinct strains of P. lima complex, highlighting the previously ignored potential risk diversity of this species.

Phycotoxins in bivalves from the western Canadian Arctic: The first evidence of toxigenicity

This study presents the first evidence that a diverse suite of phycotoxins is not only being actively produced by the toxigenic algal communities in the Canadian Arctic waters, but is also entering the marine food web. We detected measurable amounts of Amnesic Shellfish Toxins (ASTs) and Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs), as well as trace amounts of other lipophilic toxin groups including pectenotoxins, yessotoxins, and cyclic imines, in bivalves collected from the Canadian Beaufort Sea in 2014 and 2018. There appear to be species-specific differences in accumulation and retention of AST by Arctic bivalves, with significantly higher concentrations recorded in Nuculanidae than Propeamussiidae, likely reflecting physiological and allometric differences. We further confirm the omnipresence of potentially toxic taxonomically-versatile phytoplankton communities in the western Canadian Arctic comprising Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima group, P. obtusa, Dinophysis acuminata, Prorocentrum minimum, Alexandrium tamarense, and Gymnodinium spp. Although measurements of actual toxicity levels and profiles of these species at the time of sampling fall outside of the scope of this study, we show that high abundance and competitive success of known AST-producers, Pseudo-nitzschia spp., are possible in Canadian Arctic waters. In 2014, a strong dominance of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was observed at a few shallow coastal stations, representing nearly 40% of the total phytoplankton cell abundances with > 106 cells/L at the depth of maximum chlorophyll a. We further describe oceanographic conditions conducive to high abundances of toxin-producing algae, indicating that temperature is likely a key factor. Even though measured AST and PST concentrations in bivalve tissue remained well below the Health Canada's levels at which monitored fisheries would close, i.e., 5% and 4%, respectively, their presence demonstrate that phycotoxin accumulation is occurring in food webs of the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Yet, the phycotoxin production controls and trophic transfer mechanisms remain unknown. Canadian Arctic marine ecosystems are rapidly changing and temperatures are expected to continue to increase. Given that these changes simultaneously affect multiple, and often co-occurring, species of primary producers, adaptive capacity is likely to play an important role in the structure of phytoplankton communities in the Canadian Arctic.

The pennate diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata as a model for diatom life cycles, from the laboratory to the sea

Phytoplankton dynamics are regulated by external cues, such as light and nutrients, as well as by biotic interactions and endogenous controls linked to life cycle characteristics. The planktonic pennate diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, with a heterothallic mating system with two opposite mating types (MTs), represents a model for the study of diatom life cycles. P. multistriata is a toxic species, able to produce the neurotoxin domoic acid. First described in Japan in 1993, it was detected at the long-term monitoring station MareChiara (Gulf of Naples, Italy) in 1995. Since then, P. multistriata has been reported from several worldwide coastal sites. A large body of knowledge has been produced on its ecology, genetic diversity, and life cycle characteristics. The availability of these data, the ecological relevance of the Pseudo-nitzschia genus, and its controllable life cycle with a short generation time made it an ideal species to develop a genetic model system for diatoms. To enable functional studies, a 59 Mb genome sequence and several transcriptomic data were produced, and genetic transformation was optimized. These tools allowed the discovery of the first mating-type determining gene for diatoms. Gene expression studies and metabolomics analyses defined genes and molecules underpinning different phases of the process of sexual reproduction. This model system, developed to explore the genetics of diatom life cycles, offers the opportunity to parallel experimental observations in the laboratory using in situ meta-omics analyses along space and time, empowering knowledge on the biology and ecology of the genus.

Nitrogen and Iron Availability Drive Metabolic Remodeling and Natural Selection of Diverse Phytoplankton during Experimental Upwelling

Nearly half of carbon fixation and primary production originates from marine phytoplankton, and much of it occurs in episodic blooms in upwelling regimes. Here, we simulated blooms limited by nitrogen and iron by incubating Monterey Bay surface waters with subnutricline waters and inorganic nutrients and measured the whole-community transcriptomic response during mid- and late-bloom conditions. Cell counts revealed that centric and pennate diatoms (largely Pseudo-nitzschia and Chaetoceros spp.) were the major blooming taxa, but dinoflagellates, prasinophytes, and prymnesiophytes also increased. Viral mRNA significantly increased in late bloom and likely played a role in the bloom's demise. We observed conserved shifts in the genetic similarity of phytoplankton populations to cultivated strains, indicating adaptive population-level changes in community composition. Additionally, the density of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) declined in late-bloom samples for most taxa, indicating a loss of intraspecific diversity as a result of competition and a selective sweep of adaptive alleles. We noted differences between mid- and late-bloom metabolism and differential regulation of light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) under nutrient stress. While most LHCs are diminished under nutrient stress, we showed that diverse taxa upregulated specialized, energy-dissipating LHCs in low iron. We also suggest the relative expression of NRT2 compared to the expression of GSII as a marker of cellular nitrogen status and the relative expression of iron starvation-induced protein genes (ISIP1, ISIP2, and ISIP3) compared to the expression of the thiamine biosynthesis gene (thiC) as a marker of iron status in natural diatom communities. IMPORTANCE Iron and nitrogen are the nutrients that most commonly limit phytoplankton growth in the world's oceans. The utilization of these resources by phytoplankton sets the biomass available to marine systems and is of particular interest in high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll (HNLC) coastal fisheries. Previous research has described the biogeography of phytoplankton in HNLC regions and the transcriptional responses of representative taxa to nutrient limitation. However, the differential transcriptional responses of whole phytoplankton communities to iron and nitrogen limitation has not been previously described, nor has the selective pressure that these competitive bloom environments exert on major players. In addition to describing changes in the physiology of diverse phytoplankton, we suggest practical indicators of cellular nitrogen and iron status for future monitoring.

Costs and benefits of predator-induced defence in a toxic diatom

Phytoplankton employ a variety of defence mechanisms against predation, including production of toxins. Domoic acid (DA) production by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia spp. is induced by the presence of predators and is considered to provide defence benefits, but the evidence is circumstantial. We exposed eight different strains of P. seriata to chemical cues from copepods and examined the costs and the benefits of toxin production. The magnitude of the induced toxin response was highly variable among strains, while the costs in terms of growth reduction per DA cell quota were similar and the trade-off thus consistent. We found two components of the defence in induced cells: (i) a 'private good' in terms of elevated rejection of captured cells and (ii) a 'public good' facilitated by a reduction in copepod feeding activity. Induced cells were more frequently rejected by copepods and rejections were directly correlated with DA cell quota and independent of access to other food items. By contrast, the public-good effect was diminished by the presence of alternative prey suggesting that it does not play a major role in bloom formation and that its evolution is closely associated with the grazing-deterrent private good.

Domoic acid biosynthesis in the red alga Chondria armata suggests a complex evolutionary history for toxin production

Originally isolated from the red alga Chondria armata, domoic acid (DA) is best known as a potent marine neurotoxin produced by oceanic harmful algal blooms of planktonic diatoms. Sequencing efforts to date of kainoid-producing red algae have focused exclusively on a closely related molecule, kainic acid, leaving a gap in the understanding of DA biosynthesis in red algae and its evolutionary linkage to diatoms. Here, we present the phylogenetic and biochemical investigation of DA biosynthesis in C. armata. This work demonstrates the high synteny of DA biosynthetic genes between relatively distant taxonomic groups of algae and suggests a complex evolutionary history for DA biosynthesis involving gene transfer and neofunctionalization.

Domoic acid (DA), the causative agent of amnesic shellfish poisoning, is produced by select organisms within two distantly related algal clades: planktonic diatoms and red macroalgae. The biosynthetic pathway to isodomoic acid A was recently solved in the harmful algal bloom–forming diatom Pseudonitzschia multiseries, establishing the genetic basis for the global production of this potent neurotoxin. Herein, we sequenced the 507-Mb genome of Chondria armata, the red macroalgal seaweed from which DA was first isolated in the 1950s, identifying several copies of the red algal DA (rad) biosynthetic gene cluster. The rad genes are organized similarly to the diatom DA biosynthesis cluster in terms of gene synteny, including a cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme critical to DA production that is notably absent in red algae that produce the simpler kainoid neurochemical, kainic acid. The biochemical characterization of the N-prenyltransferase (RadA) and kainoid synthase (RadC) enzymes support a slightly altered DA biosynthetic model in C. armata via the congener isodomoic acid B, with RadC behaving more like the homologous diatom enzyme despite higher amino acid similarity to red algal kainic acid synthesis enzymes. A phylogenetic analysis of the rad genes suggests unique origins for the red macroalgal and diatom genes in their respective hosts, with native eukaryotic CYP450 neofunctionalization combining with the horizontal gene transfer of N-prenyltransferases and kainoid synthases to establish DA production within the algal lineages.

Toxicity of the Diatom Genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae): Insights from Toxicity Tests and Genetic Screening in the Northern Adriatic Sea

Diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia H.Peragallo are known to produce domoic acid (DA), a toxin involved in amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Strains of the same species are often classified as both toxic and nontoxic, and it is largely unknown whether this difference is also genetic. In the Northern Adriatic Sea, there are virtually no cases of ASP, but DA occasionally occurs in shellfish samples. So far, three species-P. delicatissima (Cleve) Heiden, P. multistriata (H. Takano) H. Takano, and P. calliantha Lundholm, Moestrup, & Hasle-have been identified as producers of DA in the Adriatic Sea. By means of enzme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and visible spectrum detection (HPLC-UV/VIS), and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we reconfirmed the presence of DA in P. multistriata and P. delicatissima and detect for the first time in the Adriatic Sea DA in P. galaxiae Lundholm, & Moestrup. Furthermore, we attempted to answer the question of the distribution of DA production among Pseudo-nitzschia species and strains by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) phylogenetic marker and the dabA DA biosynthesis gene and coupling this with toxicity data. Results show that all subclades of the Pseudo-nitzschia genus contain toxic species and that toxicity appears to be strain dependent, often with geographic partitioning. Amplification of dabA was successful only in toxic strains of P. multistriata and the presence of the genetic architecture for DA production in non-toxic strains was thus not confirmed.

New paradigm in diatom omics and genetic manipulation

Diatoms are one of the most heterogeneous eukaryotic plankton known for regulating earth's biogeochemical cycles and maintaining the marine ecosystems ever since the late Eocene epoch. The advent of multidisciplinary omics approach has both epitomized and revolutionized the nature of their chimeric genetic toolkit, ecophysiology, and metabolic adaptability as well as their interaction with other communities. In addition, advanced functional annotation of transcriptomic and proteomic data using cutting edge bioinformatics tools together with high-resolution genome-scale mathematical modeling has effectively proven as the catapult in solving genetic bottlenecks in microbial as well as diatom exploration. In this review, a corroborative summation of the robust work done in manipulating, engineering, and sequencing of the diatom genomes besides underpinning the holistic application of omics in transcription and translation has been discussed in order to shrewd their multifarious novel potential in the field of biotechnology and provide an insight into their dynamic evolutionary relevance.

Response mechanisms of domoic acid in Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries under copper stress

A complex relationship exists between copper stress and the accumulation and release of domoic acid (DA) in toxin-producing Pseudo-nitzschia cells. To clarify the changes and role of DA in this process, we exposed the toxin-producing P. multiseries and the non-toxin-producing P. pungens to copper stress (5 and 9 μM) for 96 h. Results showed that P. multiseries grew better than P. pungens under the two aforementioned copper concentrations. DA content in the cells of P. multiseries increased with increased copper stress, and the dissolved DA in the medium under the 9 μM copper treatment increased. DA addition at a 9 μM copper concentration reduced the copper content in P. multiseries cells and cell walls, but did not change the free copper ion content in culture medium. Adding DA to the medium reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the cells of P. multiseries under copper stress, DA addition also reduced the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) at 5 μM Cu, and the activity of peroxidase (POD) at 9 μM Cu. This suggests that DA may not alleviate copper stress by improving the antioxidant defense system of algal cells, nor can it be complexed with copper ions in the medium to alleviate copper stress. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (BPN) was used to study the DA accumulated in cells. The BPN addition significantly reduced the accumulation of DA in the cells under copper stress, suggesting that DA content in cells was closely related to ROS. Moreover, further experiments demonstrated that DA addition can improve the growth of P. multiseries under hydrogen peroxide stress. Our results indicate that DA alleviates P. multiseries oxidative damage when expose to copper stress.

Harmful algal blooms and their effects in coastal seas of Northern Europe

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) are recurrent phenomena in northern Europe along the coasts of the Baltic Sea, Kattegat-Skagerrak, eastern North Sea, Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. These HABs have caused occasional massive losses for the aquaculture industry and have chronically affected socioeconomic interests in several ways. This status review gives an overview of historical HAB events and summarises reports to the Harmful Algae Event Database from 1986 to the end of year 2019 and observations made in long term monitoring programmes of potentially harmful phytoplankton and of phycotoxins in bivalve shellfish. Major HAB taxa causing fish mortalities in the region include blooms of the prymnesiophyte Chrysochromulina leadbeateri in northern Norway in 1991 and 2019, resulting in huge economic losses for fish farmers. A bloom of the prymesiophyte Prymnesium polylepis (syn. Chrysochromulina polylepis) in the Kattegat-Skagerrak in 1988 was ecosystem disruptive. Blooms of the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis spp. have caused accumulations of foam on beaches in the southwestern North Sea and Wadden Sea coasts and shellfish mortality has been linked to their occurrence. Mortality of shellfish linked to HAB events has been observed in estuarine waters associated with influx of water from the southern North Sea. The first bloom of the dictyochophyte genus Pseudochattonella was observed in 1998, and since then such blooms have been observed in high cell densities in spring causing fish mortalities some years. Dinoflagellates, primarily Dinophysis spp., intermittently yield concentrations of Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins (DST) in blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, above regulatory limits along the coasts of Norway, Denmark and the Swedish west coast. On average, DST levels in shellfish have decreased along the Swedish and Norwegian Skagerrak coasts since approximately 2006, coinciding with a decrease in the cell abundance of D. acuta. Among dinoflagellates, Alexandrium species are the major source of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST) in the region. PST concentrations above regulatory levels were rare in the Skagerrak-Kattegat during the three decadal review period, but frequent and often abundant findings of Alexandrium resting cysts in surface sediments indicate a high potential risk for blooms. PST levels often above regulatory limits along the west coast of Norway are associated with A. catenella (ribotype Group 1) as the main toxin producer. Other Alexandrium species, such as A. ostenfeldii and A. minutum, are capable of producing PST among some populations but are usually not associated with PSP events in the region. The cell abundance of A. pseudogonyaulax, a producer of the ichthyotoxin goniodomin (GD), has increased in the Skagerrak-Kattegat since 2010, and may constitute an emerging threat. The dinoflagellate Azadinium spp. have been unequivocally linked to the presence of azaspiracid toxins (AZT) responsible for Azaspiracid Shellfish Poisoning (AZP) in northern Europe. These toxins were detected in bivalve shellfish at concentrations above regulatory limits for the first time in Norway in blue mussels in 2005 and in Sweden in blue mussels and oysters (Ostrea edulis and Crassostrea gigas) in 2018. Certain members of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia produce the neurotoxin domoic acid and analogs known as Amnesic Shellfish Toxins (AST). Blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia were common in the North Sea and the Skagerrak-Kattegat, but levels of AST in bivalve shellfish were rarely above regulatory limits during the review period. Summer cyanobacteria blooms in the Baltic Sea are a concern mainly for tourism by causing massive fouling of bathing water and beaches. Some of the cyanobacteria produce toxins, e.g. Nodularia spumigena, producer of nodularin, which may be a human health problem and cause occasional dog mortalities. Coastal and shelf sea regions in northern Europe provide a key supply of seafood, socioeconomic well-being and ecosystem services. Increasing anthropogenic influence and climate change create environmental stressors causing shifts in the biogeography and intensity of HABs. Continued monitoring of HAB and phycotoxins and the operation of historical databases such as HAEDAT provide not only an ongoing status report but also provide a way to interpret causes and mechanisms of HABs.

Bioluminescence and toxicity as driving factors in harmful algal blooms: Ecological functions and genetic variability

Dinoflagellates are an ecologically important group of marine microbial eukaryotes with a remarkable array of adaptive strategies. It is ironic that two of the traits for which dinoflagellates are best known, toxin production and bioluminescence, are rarely linked when considering the ecological significance of either. Although dinoflagellate species that form some of the most widespread and frequent harmful algal blooms (HABs) are bioluminescent, the molecular and eco-evolutionary associations between these two traits has received little attention. Here, the major themes of biochemistry and genetics, ecological functions, signaling mechanisms, and evolution are addressed, with parallels and connections drawn between the two. Of the 17 major classes of dinoflagellate toxins, only two are produced by bioluminescent species: saxitoxin (STX) and yessotoxin. Of these, STX has been extensively studied, including the identification of the STX biosynthetic genes. While numerous theories have been put forward as to the eco-evolutionary roles of both bioluminescence and toxicity, a general consensus is that both function as grazing deterrents. Thus, both bioluminescence and toxicity may aid in HAB initiation as they alleviate grazing pressure on the HAB species. A large gap in our understanding is the genetic variability among natural bloom populations, as both toxic and non-toxic strains have been isolated from the same geographic location. The same applies to bioluminescence, as there exist both bioluminescent and non-bioluminescent strains of the same species. Recent evidence demonstrating that blooms are not monoclonal events necessitates a greater level of understanding as to the genetic variability of these traits among sub-populations as well as the mechanisms by which cells acquire or lose the trait, as sequence analysis of STX+ and STX- species indicate the key gene required for toxicity is lost rather than gained. While the extent of genetic variability for both bioluminescence and toxicity among natural HAB sub-populations remains unknown, it is an area that needs to be explored in order to gain greater insights into the molecular mechanisms and environmental parameters driving HAB evolution.

The impact of urea on toxic diatoms - Potential effects of fertilizer silo breakdown on a Pseudo-nitzschia bloom

In spring 2016, two silos containing liquid nitrogen-containing fertilizer collapsed on a harbor in Fredericia, Denmark. More than 2,750 tons of fertilizer spilled into inner Danish waters. A bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia occurred approximately one month after the incident. The bloom caused a 5-week quarantine of numerous mussel-harvesting areas along the eastern coast of Jutland. The levels of domoic acid measured up to 49 mg kg^-1 in mussel meat after the bloom. In the months following the event, the species diversity of phytoplankton was low, while the abundance was high comprising few dominant species including Pseudo-nitzschia. The main part of the liquid nitrogen-containing compound was urea, chemically produced for agricultural use. To investigate the potential impact of urea on Pseudo-nitzschia, four strains, including one strain of P. delicatissima, two of P. seriata and one of P. obtusa, were exposed each to three concentrations of urea in a batch culture experiment: 10 μM, 20 μM and 100 μM N urea, and for comparison one concentration of nitrate (10 μM). Nitrate, ammonium, and urea were metabolized at different rates. Pseudo-nitzschia obtusa produced domoic acid and grew best at low urea concentrations. Both P. seriata strains had a positive correlation between urea concentration and growth rate, and the highest growth rate in the nitrate treatment. One strain of P. seriata produced domoic acid peaking at low N loads (10 µM N urea and 10 µM N nitrate). In conclusion, the ability to adapt to the available nitrogen source and retain a high growth rate was exceedingly varying and not only species-specific but also strain specific.

Species composition and toxicity of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia in Taiwan Strait, including P. chiniana sp. nov. and P. qiana sp. nov

In a field survey in the Taiwan Strait during April 2016, the species composition and the domoic acid production of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia were investigated. A total of 80 strains of Pseudo-nitzschia were established, and species identification was determined based on a combination of morphological and molecular data. Fourteen taxa were recognized, i.e., P. americana, P. brasiliana, P. calliantha, P. cuspidata, P. galaxiae, P. lundholmiae, P. multiseries, P. multistriata, P. pseudodelicatissima, P. pungens var. aveirensis, P. pungenus var. pungens and P. sabit, as well as two novel species P. chiniana C.X. Huang & Yang Li and P. qiana C.X. Huang & Yang Li. Morphologically, P. chiniana is characterized by striae comprising one or two rows of poroids, and valve ends that are normally dominated by two rows of poroids within each stria. Whereas P. qiana is unique by having a narrow valve width (1.3-1.5 μm) and sharply pointed valve ends. Both taxa constitute their own monophyletic lineage in the phylogenetic analyses inferred from LSU and ITS2 rDNA, and are well differentiated from other Pseudo-nitzschia species. Pseudo-nitzschia chiniana forms a group with P. abrensis and P. batesiana in LSU and ITS trees, whereas P. qiana is sister to P. lineola. When comparing ITS2 secondary structure, five CBCs and seven HCBCs are recognized between P. chiniana and P. abrensis, and four CBCs and ten HCBCs between P. chiniana and P. batesiana. Two CBCs and eight HCBCs are found between P. qiana with P. lineola. The ability of the strains to produce domoic acid was assessed, including a potential toxin induction by the presence of brine shrimps. Results revealed production of domoic acid in six strains belonging to three species. Without presence of brine shrimps, cellular DA (pDA) was detected in four P. multiseries strains (1.6 ± 0.3, 26.6 ± 2.7, 68.3 ± 4.2 and 56.9 ± 4.7 fg cell^-1, separately), one strain of P. pseudodelicatissima (0.8 ± 0.2 fg cell^-1) and one strain of P. lundholmiae (2.5 ± 0.4 fg cell^-1). In the presence of brine shrimps, pDA contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) in P. lundholmiae (strain MC4218) and P. multiseries (strain MC4177), from 2.5 ± 0.4 to 8.9 ± 0.7 and 1.6 ± 0.3 to 37.2 ± 2.5 fg cell^-1 respectively.