Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids: Relevant Secondary Metabolites. Chemical and Ecological Aspects

Taxonomically diverse marine, freshwater and terrestrial organisms have evolved the capacity to synthesize, accumulate and metabolize a variety of UV-absorbing substances called mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) as part of an overall strategy to diminish the direct and indirect damaging effects of environmental ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Whereas the enzymatic machinery to synthesize MAAs was probably inherited from cyanobacteria ancestors via the endosymbionts hypothesis, metazoans lack this biochemical pathway, but can acquire and metabolize these compounds by trophic transference, symbiotic or bacterial association. In this review we describe the structure and physicochemical properties of MAAs, including the recently discovered compounds and the modern methods used for their isolation and identification, updating previous reviews. On this basis, we review the metabolism and distribution of this unique class of metabolites among marine organism

Efectos de la mezcla vertical sobre la síntesis a corto plazo de micosporinas (MAAs) en la diatomea antártica Thalasiossira sp.

One of the adaptations whereby phytoplankton can alleviate damage induced by ultraviolet radiation (280-400 nm) is the synthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). The synthesis of MAAs was studied after exposure of the Antarctic diatom Thalassiosira sp. isolated from Potter Cove (South Shetland Is., Antarctica) to 2 treatments with a solar simulator: surface (Sfix) and vertical mixing (Mix) irradiance conditions. Light exposure was simulated in daily cycles with maximum irradiance at noon. Only 2 MAAs, Porphyra-334 (82-85%) and Shinorine (15-18%), were identified. The concentration of the two compounds increased during experimental light exposure (50-55%) and declined in the dark (10-15%). During the light period the synthesis rate of MAAs per unit of chlorophyll a was higher in the Sfix treatment (µ=0.17 h-1) than in the Mix treatment (µ=0.05 h-1). In spite of the higher MAA levels, low cell numbers were observed in the Sfix treatment, suggesting that the algae synthesized photoprotective compounds at the expense of growth. Our results document overlapping effects of both daily light cycles and vertical mixing affecting the synthesis of MAAs. This, and the high thermal dissipation of the ultraviolet B radiation energy (280-320 nm) absorbed by these substances, suggest a rapid photoadaptive response of Thalasiossira sp. upon exposure to elevated irradiance in a stratified water column, as well as the complementary role of vertical mixing in photo-protection.La síntesis de micosporinas (MAAs) es una de las adaptaciones por las cuales el fitoplancton puede reducir los daños inducidos por la radiación ultravioleta (UVR, 280-400 nm). La síntesis de MAAs fue estudiada después de la exposición de la diatomea antártica Thalasiossira sp., aislada en Caleta Potter (Islas Shetland, Antártica), a dos tratamientos: condiciones simuladas de irradiancia en superficie (Sfix) y mezcla vertical (Mix). La luz fue simu- lada utilizando un simulador solar con ciclos diarios con irradiancia máxima al mediodía. Sólo se identificaron dos MAAs, Porphyra-334 (82-85%) y Shinorina (15-18%). La concentración de ambos compuestos aumentó durante la exposición a la luz (50-55%) y declinó en oscuridad (10-15%). Durante el período de luz, la tasa de síntesis de MAAs (calculada para cada tiempo dividiendo cada valor por el valor correspondiente de clorofila a) fue mayor en el tratamiento Sfix (µ=0.17 h-1) comparada con el tratamiento Mix (µ=0.05 h-1). A pesar de la alta concentración de MAAs, se observó un bajo número de células en el tratamiento Sfix, sugiriendo que las algas sintetizan los compuestos fotoprotectores a expensas del crecimiento. Nuestros resultados documentan una superposición de los efectos de la luz y la mezcla vertical, afectando la composición de ambas familias de MAAs. Esto, junto con la alta energía de disipación de radiación ultravioleta B (UVBR, 280-315 nm) por estas substancias, reflejan una respuesta fotoadaptativa rápida de Thalasiossira sp. en su exposición a alta irradiancia en una columna de agua estratificada, así como también el rol complementario de la mezcla vertical como factor de fotoprotección

Mycosporine-like amino acid content in the sea anemones Aulactinia marplatensis, Oulactis muscosa and Anthothoe chilensis

The occurrence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in the sea anemones Aulactinia marplatensis (Zamponi, 1977), Oulactis muscosa (Drayton in Dana, 1846) and Anthothoe chilensis (Lesson, 1830), from the rocky intertidal habitats on the coast of Mar del Plata, Argentina, was assessed by HPLC. The pattern of MAAs in the mussel Brachidontes rodriguezi, main component of the diet for A. marplatensis and O. muscosa, was as well determined. The results were comparatively analyzed together and with previously reported MAA content in species mainly of the genus Anthopleura. The correlation between the MAA concentration and light availability of their habitats is in line with the photoprotective role assigned to the compounds. The high proportion of mycosporine-taurine in the three species and the results for the evaluation of MAAs in the mussels point to a non-dietary origin or a regulated biotransformation metabolism of dietary MAAs and/or their precursors that is common to sea anemones.Fil: Arbeloa, Ernesto Maximiliano. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Carignan, Mario Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Acuña, Fabian Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Churio, Maria Sandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas de Mar del Plata. Grupo de Investigación del Departamento de Química de la Unmdp | Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas de Mar del Plata. Grupo de Investigación del Departamento de Química de la Unmdp; ArgentinaFil: Carreto Iraurgui, Jose Ignacio. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Marinas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentin

Effect of vertical mixing on short-term mycosporine-like amino acid synthesis in the Antarctic diatom, <i>Thalasiossira</i> sp.

One of the adaptations whereby phytoplankton can alleviate damage induced by ultraviolet radiation (280-400 nm) is the synthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). The synthesis of MAAs was studied after exposure of the Antarctic diatom Thalassiosira sp. isolated from Potter Cove (South Shetland Is., Antarctica) to 2 treatments with a solar simulator: surface (Sfix) and vertical mixing (Mix) irradiance conditions. Light exposure was simulated in daily cycles with maximum irradiance at noon. Only 2 MAAs, Porphyra-334 (82-85%) and Shinorine (15-18%), were identified. The concentration of the two compounds increased during experimental light exposure (50-55%) and declined in the dark (10-15%). During the light period the synthesis rate of MAAs per unit of chlorophyll a was higher in the Sfix treatment (µ=0.17 h-1) than in the Mix treatment (µ=0.05 h-1). In spite of the higher MAA levels, low cell numbers were observed in the Sfix treatment, suggesting that the algae synthesized photoprotective compounds at the expense of growth. Our results document overlapping effects of both daily light cycles and vertical mixing affecting the synthesis of MAAs. This, and the high thermal dissipation of the ultraviolet B radiation energy (280-320 nm) absorbed by these substances, suggest a rapid photoadaptive response of Thalasiossira sp. upon exposure to elevated irradiance in a stratified water column, as well as the complementary role of vertical mixing in photo-protection

Dwarf Galaxies of the Local Group

The Local Group (LG) dwarf galaxies offer a unique window to the detailed properties of the most common type of galaxy in the Universe. In this review, I update the census of LG dwarfs based on the most recent distance and radial velocity determinations. I then discuss the detailed properties of this sample, including (a) the integrated photometric parameters and optical structures of these galaxies, (b) the content, nature and distribution of their ISM, (c) their heavy-element abundances derived from both stars and nebulae, (d) the complex and varied star-formation histories of these dwarfs, (e) their internal kinematics, stressing the relevance of these galaxies to the dark-matter problem and to alternative interpretations, and (f) evidence for past, ongoing and future interactions of these dwarfs with other galaxies in the Local Group and beyond. To complement the discussion and to serve as a foundation for future work, I present an extensive set of basic observational data in tables that summarize much of what we know, and what we still do not know, about these nearby dwarfs. Our understanding of these galaxies has grown impressively in the past decade, but fundamental puzzles remain that will keep the Local Group at the forefront of galaxy evolution studies for some time.Comment: 66 pages; 9 figures; 8 table

Características ambientales y algas nocivas en un área de producción de moluscos bivalvos del Canal Beagle, Argentina

In December 2013 a study was carried out with the objective of knowing the toxic microalgae species present in the area, the different toxins they produce and the environmental factors that condition the distribution of phytoplankton communities and their structure. An alteration in the phytoplankton community structure with respect to the same period of previous years indicated a delay in the early stages of the classic succession. Said delay influenced the annual pattern of harmful species blooms formation in the channel and, consequently, the levels of toxicity of the bivalves normally recorded at that time of the year. The HPLC analysis showed a scarce number of paralytic shellfish toxins that coincided with a very low concentration of toxic cells. In the samples analyzed, the toxins detected were mainly gonyautoxins, with no amnesic shellfish toxin. The results contribute a more detailed knowledge of the toxic profile of bivalves of commercial interest in the area that complements the ongoing monitoring program. The analysis of the environmental parameters showed that the inner sector of A. Brown Bay is an area with restricted circulation that may function as a potential reservoir for the benthic resistance stages of some dinoflagellates, providing an initial inoculum for blooms or local toxicity events formation. The absence of toxic species blooms and the low level of toxicity of the molluscs in the area in that period were associated to unusual climatic conditions registered in the region during the previous months, event that warns about the need to count on a continuous record of the meteorological variables in order to try to predict the occurrence of harmful algae blooms in the channel.&nbsp;En diciembre de 2013 se realizó un estudio para conocer las especies de microalgas tóxicas presentes en el área, las distintas toxinas que producen y los factores ambientales que condicionan la distribución de las comunidades de fitoplancton y su estructura. Se observó una alteración en la estructura de la comunidad fitoplantónica respecto al mismo período de años anteriores que indicó un retraso en las primeras etapas de la sucesión clásica. Dicho retraso influyó en el patrón anual de formación de floraciones de especies tóxicas en el canal y, en consecuencia, en los niveles de toxicidad de los bivalvos que normalmente se registran en esa época. El análisis de HPLC mostró escaso número de toxinas paralizantes de moluscos que coincidió con una muy baja concentración de células tóxicas. En las muestras analizadas se detectaron principalmente gonyautoxinas, sin presencia de toxina amnésica de moluscos. Los resultados aportan un conocimiento más detallado del perfil tóxico de los bivalvos de interés comercial en el área, que complementa el programa de monitoreo en curso. El análisis de los parámetros ambientales mostró que el sector interior de Bahía A. Brown es un área con circulación restringida que puede funcionar como reservorio potencial de los estadios bentónicos de resistencia de algunos dinoflagelados, proveyendo un inóculo inicial para la formación de floraciones o de eventos de toxicidad locales. La ausencia de floraciones de especies tóxicas y el bajo nivel de toxicidad de los moluscos del área en ese período se asociaron con las inusuales condiciones climáticas que se registraron en la región durante los meses previos, lo cual advierte sobre la necesidad de contar con un registro continuo de las variables meteorológicas para tratar de predecir la ocurrencia de floraciones de algas nocivas en el canal

Palythine-threonine, a major novel mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) isolated from the hermatypic coral Pocillopora capitata

Using a high-resolution reverse-phase liquid chromatography method we found that the tissues of the hermatypic coral Pocillopora capitato (collected in Santiago Bay, Mexico) contain a high diversity of primary and secondary mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) typical of some reef-building coral species: mycosporine-glycine, shinorine, porphyra-334, mycosporine-methylamine-serine, mycosporine-methylamine-threonine, palythine-serine, palythine and one additional novel predominant MAA, with an absorbance maximum of 320 nm. Here we document the isolation and characterization of this novel MAA from the coral A capitata. Using low multi-stage mass analyses of deuterated and non deuterated compounds, high-resolution mass analyses (Time of Flight, TOF) and other techniques, this novel compound was characterized as palythine-threonine. Palythine-threonine was also present in high concentrations in the corals Pocillopora eydouxi and Stylophora pistillata indicating a wider distribution of this MAA among reef-building corals. From structural considerations we suggest that palythine-threonine is formed by decarboxylation of porphyra-334 followed by demethylation of mycosporine-methylamine-threonine. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.CNPq-Instituto do Milenio and Fapesp from BrazilCNPq-Instituto do MilenioFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)CONICET from ArgentinaCONICET from Argentina[PIP 5009]INIDEP[1535]INIDE

Toxic strains of the Alexandrium ostenfeldii complex in southern South America (Beagle Channel, Argentina)

During phytoplankton monitoring in the Beagle Channel (≈54°52′ S, 67°32′ W) a previously undetected Alexandrium species was observed in coincidence with mouse bioassay toxicity. Detailed thecal plates analysis using epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of the Alexandrium ostenfeldii species complex, showing a mixture of the diagnostic features usually used to discriminate between the morphospecies A. ostenfeldii and A. peruvianum. Cells of the A. ostenfeldii complex were commonly observed during spring after the main annual diatom bloom, when temperatures and salinities were respectively around 7.5–10 °C and 30–30.5 psu, and nutrients showed a seasonal decrease. Toxin analysis by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the production of 13-desmethyl spirolide C and 20-methyl spirolide G in cell cultures. The cellular contain of spirolides during exponential phase growth was 0.5906 ± 0.0032 and 0.1577 ± 0.0023 pg cell−1 for 13-desMe-C and 20-Me-G, respectively. A third unknown compound, with a structure resembling that of spirolides was also detected in culture. Moreover, an additional compound with a similar m/z (692) than that of 13-desMe-C but presenting a higher retention time (Rt = 40.5 min) was found in high proportions in mussel samples. PSP toxins were present at low concentration in mussels but were not detected in cultures. These results extend the world-wide distribution of toxic strains of the A. ostenfeldii complex to the Beagle Channel (southern South America), where toxic events have been traditionally linked to the presence of Alexandrium catenella. This is the first confirmed occurrence of spirolides in mussels and plankton from Argentina, which highlights the importance of monitoring these toxins and their producing organisms to protect public health and improve the management of shellfish resources.Fil: Almandoz, Gaston Osvaldo. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Division Ficología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Montoya, Nora Gladys. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Hernando, Marcelo Pablo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Benavides, Hugo R.. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Carignan, Mario O.. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Ferrario, Martha Elba. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Division Ficología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin