Domoic acid biosynthesis and genome expansion in <i>Nitzschia navis-varingica</i>.

ABSTRACT: Production of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) by benthic diatom Nitzschia navis-varingica poses considerable health and economic concerns. In this study, we employed whole genome sequencing and transcriptomic analyses of regionally distinct N. navis-varingica strains to unravel the genomic underpinnings of DA biosynthesis. Our analyses revealed sizable genomes-characterized by an abundance of repetitive elements and noncoding DNA-that exceed the size of any other pennate diatoms. Central to our findings is the discovery of an expanded domoic acid biosynthesis (dab) gene cluster, spanning over 60 kb and marked by a unique organization that includes core genes interspersed with additional genetic elements. Phylogenetic and syntenic comparisons indicate that transposition

SUBMITTER: Wood-Rocca SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12691652 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature