SxtA and sxtG gene expression and toxin production in the Mediterranean Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae).

ABSTRACT: The dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum is known for the production of potent neurotoxins affecting the health of human seafood consumers via paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the toxin content and the expression level of the genes involved in paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) production. The algal cultures were grown both in standard f/2 medium and in phosphorus/nitrogen limitation. In our study, LC-HRMS analyses of PST profile and content in different Mediterranean A. minutum strains confirmed that this species was able to synthesize mainly the saxitoxin analogues Gonyautoxin-1 (GTX1) and Gonyautoxin-4 (GTX4). The average cellular toxin content varied among different strains, and between growth phases, highlighting a decre

SUBMITTER: Perini F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4210898 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature