Genomic Identification and Characterization of Saxitoxin Producing Cyanobacteria in Western Lake Erie Harmful Algal Blooms.

ABSTRACT: Saxitoxins (STXs), a group of closely related neurotoxins, are among the most potent natural toxins known. While genes encoding STX biosynthesis have been observed in Lake Erie, the organism(s) responsible for producing STXs in the Laurentian Great Lakes have not been identified. We identified a full suite of STX biosynthesis genes in a Dolichospermum metagenome-assembled genome (MAG). The content of sxt genes suggest that this organism can produce STX, decarbamoyl and deoxy-decarbamoyl saxitoxins, and other congeners. The absence of sxtX indicates this organism is unable to produce neosaxitoxin, a potent congener. However, a distinct, lower abundance sxt operon from an unidentified organism did contain sxtX, indicating neosaxitoxin biosynthesis potential

SUBMITTER: Den Uyl PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12782359 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature