This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Prof. Dr. John Berry
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University (FIU), 354/332 Marine Science, Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st St., North Miami, FL 33181, USA

Basic Info

Basic Info is private.

Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Natural Products
0 Toxins
0 bioactive compounds
0 Cyanobacteria
0 zebrafish embryo model

Fingerprints

Cyanobacteria
Toxins
zebrafish embryo model
bioactive compounds

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

The user biography is not available.
Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Journal article
Published: 22 August 2021 in Science of The Total Environment
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Brevetoxins (PbTx) are a well-recognized group of neurotoxins associated with harmful algal blooms, and specifically recurrent “Florida Red Tides,” in marine waters that are linked to impacts on both human and ecosystem health including well-documented “fish kills” and marine mammal mortalities in affected coastal waters. Understanding mechanisms and pathways of PbTx toxicity enables identification of relevant biomarkers to better understand these environmental impacts, and improve monitoring efforts, in relation to this toxin. Toward a systems-level understanding of toxicity, and identification of potential biomarkers, high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) was utilized for metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, as an established toxicological model, exposed to PbTx-2 (the most common congener in marine waters). Metabolomics studies were, furthermore, complemented by an assessment of the toxicity of PbTx-2 in embryonic stages of zebrafish and mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), the latter representing an ecologically and geographically relevant marine species of fish, which identified acute embryotoxicity at environmentally relevant (i.e., parts-per-billion) concentrations in both species. HRMAS NMR analysis of intact zebrafish embryos exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of PbTx-2 afforded well-resolved spectra, and in turn, identification of 38 metabolites of which 28 were found to be significantly altered, relative to controls. Metabolites altered by PbTx-2 exposure specifically included those associated with (1) neuronal excitotoxicity, as well as associated neural homeostasis, and (2) interrelated pathways of carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Metabolomics studies, thereby, enabled a systems-level model of PbTx toxicity which integrated multiple metabolic, molecular and cellular pathways, in relation to environmentally relevant concentrations of the toxin, providing insight to not only targets and mechanisms, but potential biomarkers pertinent to environmental risk assessment and monitoring strategies.

ACS Style

Mark Annunziato; Muhamed N.H. Eeza; Narmin Bashirova; Ariel Lawson; Jörg Matysik; Daniel Benetti; Martin Grosell; John D. Stieglitz; A. Alia; John P. Berry. An integrated systems-level model of the toxicity of brevetoxin based on high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) metabolic profiling of zebrafish embryos. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 149858 .

AMA Style

Mark Annunziato, Muhamed N.H. Eeza, Narmin Bashirova, Ariel Lawson, Jörg Matysik, Daniel Benetti, Martin Grosell, John D. Stieglitz, A. Alia, John P. Berry. An integrated systems-level model of the toxicity of brevetoxin based on high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) metabolic profiling of zebrafish embryos. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; ():149858.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mark Annunziato; Muhamed N.H. Eeza; Narmin Bashirova; Ariel Lawson; Jörg Matysik; Daniel Benetti; Martin Grosell; John D. Stieglitz; A. Alia; John P. Berry. 2021. "An integrated systems-level model of the toxicity of brevetoxin based on high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) metabolic profiling of zebrafish embryos." Science of The Total Environment , no. : 149858.

Journal article
Published: 04 June 2020 in Environmental Pollution
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Owing to environmental health concerns, a number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been phased-out, and increasingly replaced by various chemical analogs. Most prominent among these replacements are numerous perfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECA). Toxicity, and environmental health concerns associated with these next-generation PFAS, however, remains largely unstudied. The zebrafish embryo was employed, in the present study, as a toxicological model system to investigate toxicity of a representative sample of PFECA, alongside perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as one of the most widely used, and best studied, of the “legacy” PFAS. In addition, high-resolution magic angle spin (HRMAS) NMR was utilized for metabolic profiling of intact zebrafish embryos in order to characterize metabolic pathways associated with toxicity of PFAS. Acute embryotoxicity (i.e., lethality), along with impaired development, and variable effects on locomotory behavior, were observed for all PFAS in the zebrafish model. Median lethal concentration (LC50) was significantly correlated with alkyl chain-length, and toxic concentrations were quantitatively similar to those reported previously for PFAS. Metabolic profiling of zebrafish embryos exposed to selected PFAS, specifically including PFOA and two representative PFECA (i.e., GenX and PFO3TDA), enabled elaboration of an integrated model of the metabolic pathways associated with toxicity of these representative PFAS. Alterations of metabolic profiles suggested targeting of hepatocytes (i.e., hepatotoxicity), as well as apparent modulation of neural metabolites, and moreover, were consistent with a previously proposed role of mitochondrial disruption and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activation as reflected by dysfunctions of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and consistent with a previously proposed contribution of PFAS to metabolic syndrome. Taken together, it was generally concluded that toxicity of PFECA is quantitatively and qualitatively similar to PFOA, and these analogs, likewise, represent potential concerns as environmental toxicants.

ACS Style

Kiflom Y. Gebreab; Muhamed N.H. Eeza; Tianyu Bai; Zain Zuberi; Jörg Matysik; Kevin E. O’Shea; A. Alia; John P. Berry. Comparative toxicometabolomics of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and next-generation perfluoroalkyl substances. Environmental Pollution 2020, 265, 114928 .

AMA Style

Kiflom Y. Gebreab, Muhamed N.H. Eeza, Tianyu Bai, Zain Zuberi, Jörg Matysik, Kevin E. O’Shea, A. Alia, John P. Berry. Comparative toxicometabolomics of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and next-generation perfluoroalkyl substances. Environmental Pollution. 2020; 265 ():114928.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kiflom Y. Gebreab; Muhamed N.H. Eeza; Tianyu Bai; Zain Zuberi; Jörg Matysik; Kevin E. O’Shea; A. Alia; John P. Berry. 2020. "Comparative toxicometabolomics of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and next-generation perfluoroalkyl substances." Environmental Pollution 265, no. : 114928.

Brief report
Published: 28 May 2020 in Journal of Natural Products
Reads 0
Downloads 0

A new, cyclic carbonate eudesmane-type sesquiterpene, eudesmacarbonate (1), was isolated from marine filamentous cyanobacterial mats associated with apparent ingestion-related intoxications of captive bottlenose dolphins in the Florida Keys. Sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed that mats were composed of closely related Oscillatoriacean species including a previously undocumented species of Neolyngbya. The structure of 1 was elucidated by (+)-HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and vibrational circular dichroism data. Toxicity of 1 was assessed in the zebrafish embryo/larval model, and 1 was found to exhibit effects qualitatively similar to those observed for the known neurotoxin brevetoxin-2 and consistent with neurobehavioral impairment.

ACS Style

Christina A. Lydon; Logesh Mathivathanan; Juanita Sanchez; Larissa A. H. Dos Santos; Thomas Sauvage; Sarath P. Gunasekera; Valerie J. Paul; John P. Berry. Eudesmacarbonate, a Eudesmane-Type Sesquiterpene from a Marine Filamentous Cyanobacterial Mat (Oscillatoriales) in the Florida Keys. Journal of Natural Products 2020, 83, 2030 -2035.

AMA Style

Christina A. Lydon, Logesh Mathivathanan, Juanita Sanchez, Larissa A. H. Dos Santos, Thomas Sauvage, Sarath P. Gunasekera, Valerie J. Paul, John P. Berry. Eudesmacarbonate, a Eudesmane-Type Sesquiterpene from a Marine Filamentous Cyanobacterial Mat (Oscillatoriales) in the Florida Keys. Journal of Natural Products. 2020; 83 (6):2030-2035.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Christina A. Lydon; Logesh Mathivathanan; Juanita Sanchez; Larissa A. H. Dos Santos; Thomas Sauvage; Sarath P. Gunasekera; Valerie J. Paul; John P. Berry. 2020. "Eudesmacarbonate, a Eudesmane-Type Sesquiterpene from a Marine Filamentous Cyanobacterial Mat (Oscillatoriales) in the Florida Keys." Journal of Natural Products 83, no. 6: 2030-2035.

Journal article
Published: 08 May 2019 in Toxins
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a widespread contaminant of grains and other agricultural crops and is globally associated with both acute toxicity and carcinogenicity. In the present study, we utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and specifically high-resolution magic angle spin (HRMAS) NMR, coupled to the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo toxicological model, to characterize metabolic profiles associated with exposure to AFB1. Exposure to AFB1 was associated with dose-dependent acute toxicity (i.e., lethality) and developmental deformities at micromolar (≤ 2 µM) concentrations. Toxicity of AFB1 was stage-dependent and specifically consistent, in this regard, with a role of the liver and phase I enzyme (i.e., cytochrome P450) bioactivation. Metabolic profiles of intact zebrafish embryos exposed to AFB1 were, furthermore, largely consistent with hepatotoxicity previously reported in mammalian systems including metabolites associated with cytotoxicity (i.e., loss of cellular membrane integrity), glutathione-based detoxification, and multiple pathways associated with the liver including amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate (i.e., energy) metabolism. Taken together, these metabolic alterations enabled the proposal of an integrated model of the hepatotoxicity of AFB1 in the zebrafish embryo system. Interestingly, changes in amino acid neurotransmitters (i.e., Gly, Glu, and GABA), as a key modulator of neural development, supports a role in recently-reported neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental effects of AFB1 in the zebrafish embryo model. The present study reinforces not only toxicological pathways of AFB1 (i.e., hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity), but also multiple metabolites as potential biomarkers of exposure and toxicity. More generally, this underscores the capacity of NMR-based approaches, when coupled to animal models, as a powerful toxicometabolomics tool.

ACS Style

Zain Zuberi; Muhamed N. H. Eeza; Joerg Matysik; John P. Berry; A. Alia. NMR-Based Metabolic Profiles of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 Recapitulates Hepatotoxicity and Supports Possible Neurotoxicity. Toxins 2019, 11, 258 .

AMA Style

Zain Zuberi, Muhamed N. H. Eeza, Joerg Matysik, John P. Berry, A. Alia. NMR-Based Metabolic Profiles of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 Recapitulates Hepatotoxicity and Supports Possible Neurotoxicity. Toxins. 2019; 11 (5):258.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zain Zuberi; Muhamed N. H. Eeza; Joerg Matysik; John P. Berry; A. Alia. 2019. "NMR-Based Metabolic Profiles of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 Recapitulates Hepatotoxicity and Supports Possible Neurotoxicity." Toxins 11, no. 5: 258.

Journal article
Published: 21 December 2017 in Toxins
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most prevalent mycotoxin contaminants of food crops. Among the agricultural products consequently contaminated by OTA is wine. In the present study, a sample of wines sourced from the United States was assessed for OTA. Wines were primarily analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) coupled to a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) technique which was developed and validated as a simplified sample preparation approach. More than 85% of the wines evaluated were found to contain OTA, at levels above the limit-of-detection (LOD = 0.1 µg L−1), and 76% were above the limit-of-quantitation (LOQ = 0.3 µg L−1) for the LLE/HPLC-FD method. More than two-thirds of the wines above the LOQ were found to exceed 1 µg L−1. Complementary analysis by HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) confirmed OTA in 74% of the OTA-positive wines (i.e., >LOQ by HPLC-FD). Overall, both the occurrence and measured levels of OTA were generally high, specifically relative to previous assessments of OTA in wine, and two of the wines were above the only current (European Union) regulatory limit of two parts-per-billion (ppb, ~2 µg L−1). Possible trends with respect to geographical region and/or growing climate are noted. As the first assessment of U.S. wines in more than a decade, the overall high occurrence and levels of OTA in wine, and possible geographic and climatic trends, point to a need for regular surveillance of wines, as well as investigation of the relevant contributors to OTA occurrence toward mitigating contamination and exposure risks.

ACS Style

Christopher Lawrence De Jesus; Amanda Bartley; Aaron Z. Welch; John P. Berry. High Incidence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Wines Sourced from the United States. Toxins 2017, 10, 1 .

AMA Style

Christopher Lawrence De Jesus, Amanda Bartley, Aaron Z. Welch, John P. Berry. High Incidence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Wines Sourced from the United States. Toxins. 2017; 10 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Christopher Lawrence De Jesus; Amanda Bartley; Aaron Z. Welch; John P. Berry. 2017. "High Incidence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Wines Sourced from the United States." Toxins 10, no. 1: 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 December 2017 in Scientific Reports
Reads 0
Downloads 0

β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been linked to several interrelated neurodegenerative diseases. Despite considerable research, specific contributions of BMAA toxicity to neurodegenerative diseases remain to be fully resolved. In the present study, we utilized state-of-the-art high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR), applied to intact zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, as a model of vertebrate development, to elucidate changes in metabolic profiles associated with BMAA exposure. Complemented by several alternative analytical approaches (i.e., in vivo visualization and in vitro assay), HRMAS NMR identified robust and dose-dependent effect of BMAA on several relevant metabolic pathways suggesting a multifaceted toxicity of BMAA including: (1) localized production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the developing brain, consistent with excitotoxicity; (2) decreased protective capacity against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress including reduced taurine and glutathione; (3) inhibition of several developmentally stereotypical energetic and metabolic transitions, i.e., metabolic reprogramming; and (4) inhibition of lipid biosynthetic pathways. Matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry further identified specific effects on phospholipids linked to both neural development and neurodegeneration. Taken together, a unified model of the neurodevelopmental toxicity of BMAA in the zebrafish embryo is presented in relation to the potential contribution of BMAA to neurodegenerative disease.

ACS Style

Upasana Roy; Laura Conklin; Jürgen Schiller; Jörg Matysik; John P. Berry; A. Alia. Metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos by NMR spectroscopy reveals multifaceted toxicity of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Scientific Reports 2017, 7, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Upasana Roy, Laura Conklin, Jürgen Schiller, Jörg Matysik, John P. Berry, A. Alia. Metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos by NMR spectroscopy reveals multifaceted toxicity of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Scientific Reports. 2017; 7 (1):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Upasana Roy; Laura Conklin; Jürgen Schiller; Jörg Matysik; John P. Berry; A. Alia. 2017. "Metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos by NMR spectroscopy reveals multifaceted toxicity of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA)." Scientific Reports 7, no. 1: 1-12.

Article
Published: 04 November 2017 in Toxics
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been linked to negative health outcomes including cancer, thyroid disease, infertility, and developmental delays. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), a cyclic sugar, has been previously shown to form strong host–guest complexes with PFOA, and is proposed as a means of environmental remediation with respect to this widespread contaminant. In the present study, β-CD was directly examined with regards to possible attenuation of the toxicity of PFOA specifically employing the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to various concentrations of PFOA without β-CD, and with equimolar (1:1) and excess (2:1) molar ratios of β-CD to PFOA, and assessed for lethality and developmental toxicity through seven days post-fertilization (dpf). Rapid onset of lethality with limited morphological abnormalities was observed at relatively low concentrations of PFOA (LC50 ≈ 50 ppm), along with effects on morphometric and neurobehavioral parameters in surviving embryos. A highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed between the 2:1 treatment, and both 1:1 and PFOA only treatments, with respect to lethal concentration and apparent neurobehavioral effects, suggesting an effectively reduced toxicity of the fully complexed PFOA. In contrast, however, neither β-CD treatment reduced developmental toxicity with respect to the morphometric endpoint (i.e., interocular distance). Whereas LC50 of PFOA alone did not change over 7 dpf, the 1:1 and 2:1 values decreased slightly over time, suggesting either delayed or alternative toxic effects on later developmental stages at presumptively lowered levels. This study, therefore, indicates β-CD may be an effective agent to reduce toxicity of and mitigate environmental health concerns associated with PFOA, but that further study is required to elucidate the mechanism of complexation as it relates to the attenuation of toxicity.

ACS Style

Mary Jo Weiss-Errico; John P. Berry; Kevin E. O’Shea. β-Cyclodextrin Attenuates Perfluorooctanoic Acid Toxicity in the Zebrafish Embryo Model. Toxics 2017, 5, 31 .

AMA Style

Mary Jo Weiss-Errico, John P. Berry, Kevin E. O’Shea. β-Cyclodextrin Attenuates Perfluorooctanoic Acid Toxicity in the Zebrafish Embryo Model. Toxics. 2017; 5 (4):31.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mary Jo Weiss-Errico; John P. Berry; Kevin E. O’Shea. 2017. "β-Cyclodextrin Attenuates Perfluorooctanoic Acid Toxicity in the Zebrafish Embryo Model." Toxics 5, no. 4: 31.

Journal article
Published: 31 January 2017 in Chemosphere
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Toxigenicity of cyanobacteria is widely associated with production of several well-described toxins that pose recognized threats to human and ecosystem health as part of both freshwater eutrophication, and episodic blooms in freshwater and coastal habitats. However, a preponderance of evidence indicates contribution of additional bioactive, and potentially toxic, metabolites. In the present study, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo was used as a model of vertebrate development to identify, and subsequently isolate and characterize, teratogenic metabolites from two representative strains of C. raciborskii. Using this approach, three chemically related carotenoids - and specifically the xanthophyll glycosides, myxol 2′-glycoside (1), 4-ketomyxol 2′-glycoside (2) and 4-hydroxymyxol 2′-glycoside (3) - which are, otherwise, well known pigment molecules from cyanobacteria were isolated as potently teratogenic compounds. Carotenoids are recognized “pro-retinoids” with retinoic acid, as a metabolic product of the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids, established as both key mediator of embryo development and, consequently, a potent teratogen. Accordingly, a comparative toxicological study of chemically diverse carotenoids, as well as apocarotenoids and retinoids, was undertaken. Based on this, a working model of the developmental toxicity of carotenoids as pro-retinoids is proposed, and the teratogenicity of these widespread metabolites is discussed in relation to possible impacts on aquatic vertebrate populations.

ACS Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Kristel Sanchez; Miroslav Gantar; Patrick Gibbs; Michael Schmale; John P. Berry. Carotenoid glycosides from cyanobacteria are teratogenic in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model. Chemosphere 2017, 174, 478 -489.

AMA Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza, Kristel Sanchez, Miroslav Gantar, Patrick Gibbs, Michael Schmale, John P. Berry. Carotenoid glycosides from cyanobacteria are teratogenic in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model. Chemosphere. 2017; 174 ():478-489.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Kristel Sanchez; Miroslav Gantar; Patrick Gibbs; Michael Schmale; John P. Berry. 2017. "Carotenoid glycosides from cyanobacteria are teratogenic in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model." Chemosphere 174, no. : 478-489.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2016 in Zebrafish
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Techniques based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for imaging and chemical analyses of in vivo, or otherwise intact, biological systems are rapidly emerging and finding diverse applications within a wide range of fields. Very recently, several NMR-based techniques have been developed for the zebrafish as a model animal system. In the current study, the novel application of high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR is presented as a means of metabolic profiling of intact zebrafish embryos. Toward investigating the utility of HR-MAS NMR as a toxicological tool, these studies specifically examined metabolic changes of embryos exposed to polymethoxy-1-alkenes (PMAs)—a recently identified family of teratogenic compounds from freshwater algae—as emerging environmental contaminants. One-dimensional and two-dimensional HR-MAS NMR analyses were able to effectively identify and quantify diverse metabolites in early-stage (≤36 h postfertilization) embryos. Subsequent comparison of the metabolic profiles between PMA-exposed and control embryos identified several statistically significant metabolic changes associated with subacute exposure to the teratogen, including (1) elevated inositol as a recognized component of signaling pathways involved in embryo development; (2) increases in several metabolites, including inositol, phosphoryl choline, fatty acids, and cholesterol, which are associated with lipid composition of cell membranes; (3) concomitant increase in glucose and decrease in lactate; and (4) decreases in several biochemically related metabolites associated with central nervous system development and function, including γ-aminobutyric acid, glycine, glutamate, and glutamine. A potentially unifying model/hypothesis of PMA teratogenicity based on the data is presented. These findings, taken together, demonstrate that HR-MAS NMR is a promising tool for metabolic profiling in the zebrafish embryo, including toxicological applications.

ACS Style

John P. Berry; Upasana Roy; Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Kristel Sanchez; Joerg Matysik; A. Alia. High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Detects Metabolic Changes Following Exposure to Teratogenic Polymethoxyalkenes from Algae. Zebrafish 2016, 13, 456 -465.

AMA Style

John P. Berry, Upasana Roy, Asha Jaja-Chimedza, Kristel Sanchez, Joerg Matysik, A. Alia. High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Detects Metabolic Changes Following Exposure to Teratogenic Polymethoxyalkenes from Algae. Zebrafish. 2016; 13 (5):456-465.

Chicago/Turabian Style

John P. Berry; Upasana Roy; Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Kristel Sanchez; Joerg Matysik; A. Alia. 2016. "High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Detects Metabolic Changes Following Exposure to Teratogenic Polymethoxyalkenes from Algae." Zebrafish 13, no. 5: 456-465.

Review
Published: 06 April 2016 in Marine Drugs
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The cyanobacteria are well recognized as producers of a wide array of bioactive metabolites including toxins, and potential drug candidates. However, a limited number of taxa are generally considered with respect to both of these aspects. That said, the order Stigonematales, although largely overlooked in this regard, has become increasingly recognized as a source of bioactive metabolites relevant to both human and environmental health. In particular, the hapalindoles and related indole alkaloids (i.e., ambiguines, fischerindoles, welwitindolinones) from the order, represent a diverse, and phylogenetically characteristic, class of secondary metabolites with biological activity suggestive of potential as both environmental toxins, and promising drug discovery leads. The present review gives an overview of the chemical diversity of biologically active metabolites from the Stigonematales—and particularly the so-called hapalindole-type alkaloids—including their biosynthetic origins, and their pharmacologically and toxicologically relevant bioactivities. Taken together, the current evidence suggests that these alkaloids, and the associated cyanobacterial taxa from the order, warrant future consideration as both potentially harmful (i.e., “toxic”) algae, and as promising leads for drug discovery.

ACS Style

Katherine Walton; John P. Berry. Indole Alkaloids of the Stigonematales (Cyanophyta): Chemical Diversity, Biosynthesis and Biological Activity. Marine Drugs 2016, 14, 73 .

AMA Style

Katherine Walton, John P. Berry. Indole Alkaloids of the Stigonematales (Cyanophyta): Chemical Diversity, Biosynthesis and Biological Activity. Marine Drugs. 2016; 14 (4):73.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Katherine Walton; John P. Berry. 2016. "Indole Alkaloids of the Stigonematales (Cyanophyta): Chemical Diversity, Biosynthesis and Biological Activity." Marine Drugs 14, no. 4: 73.

Journal article
Published: 05 February 2016 in Toxins
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Ochratoxins, and particularly ochratoxin A (OTA), are toxic fungal-derived contaminants of food and other agricultural products. Growing evidence supports the degradation of OTA by chemical, enzymatic and/or microbial means as a potential approach to remove this mycotoxin from food products. In particular, hydrolysis of OTA to ochratoxin α (OTα) and phenylalanine is the presumptive product of degradation in most cases. In the current study, we employed the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, as a model of vertebrate development to evaluate, the teratogenicity of OTA and OTα. These studies show that OTA is potently active in the zebrafish embryo toxicity assay (ZETA), and that toxicity is both concentration- and time-dependent with discernible and quantifiable developmental toxicity observed at nanomolar concentrations. On the other hand, OTα had no significant effect on embryo development at all concentrations tested supporting a decreased toxicity of this degradation product. Taken together, these results suggest that ZETA is a useful, and highly sensitive, tool for evaluating OTA toxicity, as well as its degradation products, toward development of effective detoxification strategies. Specifically, the results obtained with ZETA, in the present study, further demonstrate the toxicity of OTA, and support its degradation via hydrolysis to OTα as an effective means of detoxification.

ACS Style

Mehreen Haq; Nelson Gonzalez; Keenan Mintz; Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Christopher Lawrence De Jesus; Christina Lydon; Aaron Z. Welch; John P. Berry. Teratogenicity of Ochratoxin A and the Degradation Product, Ochratoxin α, in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model of Vertebrate Development. Toxins 2016, 8, 40 .

AMA Style

Mehreen Haq, Nelson Gonzalez, Keenan Mintz, Asha Jaja-Chimedza, Christopher Lawrence De Jesus, Christina Lydon, Aaron Z. Welch, John P. Berry. Teratogenicity of Ochratoxin A and the Degradation Product, Ochratoxin α, in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model of Vertebrate Development. Toxins. 2016; 8 (2):40.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mehreen Haq; Nelson Gonzalez; Keenan Mintz; Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Christopher Lawrence De Jesus; Christina Lydon; Aaron Z. Welch; John P. Berry. 2016. "Teratogenicity of Ochratoxin A and the Degradation Product, Ochratoxin α, in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model of Vertebrate Development." Toxins 8, no. 2: 40.

Journal article
Published: 22 October 2015 in Harmful Algae
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is among the most commonly recognized toxigenic cyanobacteria associated with harmful algal blooms (HAB) in freshwater systems, and specifically associated with multiple water-soluble toxins. Lipophilic metabolites from C. raciborskii, however, were previously shown to exert teratogenicity (i.e. inhibition of vertebrate development) in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model, specifically suggesting the presence of additional bioactive compounds unrelated to the currently known toxins. In the present study, a series of known teratogenic polymethoxy-1-alkenes (PMA) were identified, purified and chemically characterized from an otherwise well-characterized strain of toxigenic C. raciborskii. Although PMA have been previously identified in other cyanobacteria, this is the first time they have been identified from this recognized HAB species. Following their identification from C. raciborskii, the taxonomic distribution of the PMA was additionally investigated by chemical screening of a freshwater algal (i.e. cyanobacteria, green algal) culture collection. Screening suggests that these compounds are distributed among phylogenetically diverse taxa. Furthermore, parallel screening of the algal culture collection, using the zebrafish embryo model of teratogenicity, the presence of PMA was found to closely correlate with developmental toxicity of these diverse algal isolates. Taken together, the data suggest PMA contribute to the toxicity of C. raciborskii, as well as apparently several other taxonomically disparate cyanobacterial and green algal genera, and may, accordingly, contribute to the toxicity of diverse freshwater HAB.

ACS Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Christopher Saez; Kristel Sanchez; Miroslav Gantar; John P. Berry. Identification of teratogenic polymethoxy-1-alkenes from Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, and taxonomically diverse freshwater cyanobacteria and green algae. Harmful Algae 2015, 49, 156 -161.

AMA Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza, Christopher Saez, Kristel Sanchez, Miroslav Gantar, John P. Berry. Identification of teratogenic polymethoxy-1-alkenes from Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, and taxonomically diverse freshwater cyanobacteria and green algae. Harmful Algae. 2015; 49 ():156-161.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Christopher Saez; Kristel Sanchez; Miroslav Gantar; John P. Berry. 2015. "Identification of teratogenic polymethoxy-1-alkenes from Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, and taxonomically diverse freshwater cyanobacteria and green algae." Harmful Algae 49, no. : 156-161.

Journal article
Published: 22 December 2014 in Toxins
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Cyanobacteria are recognized producers of toxic or otherwise bioactive metabolite associated, in particular, with so-called “harmful algal blooms” (HABs) and eutrophication of freshwater systems. In the present study, two apparently teratogenic indole alkaloids from a freshwater strain of the widespread cyanobacterial genus, Fischerella (Stigonemataceae), were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation, specifically using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, as a model of vertebrate development. The two alkaloids include the previously known 12-epi-hapalindole H isonitrile (1), and a new nitrile-containing variant, 12-epi-ambiguine B nitrile (2). Although both compounds were toxic to developing embryos, the former compound was shown to be relatively more potent, and to correlate best with the observed embryo toxicity. Related indole alkaloids from Fischerella, and other genera in the Stigonemataceae, have been widely reported as antimicrobial compounds, specifically in association with apparent allelopathy. However, this is the first report of their vertebrate toxicity, and the observed teratogenicity of these alkaloids supports a possible contribution to the toxicity of this widespread cyanobacterial family, particularly in relation to freshwater HABs and eutrophication.

ACS Style

Katherine Walton; Miroslav Gantar; Patrick D. L. Gibbs; Michael C. Schmale; John P. Berry. Indole Alkaloids from Fischerella Inhibit Vertebrate Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model. Toxins 2014, 6, 3568 -3581.

AMA Style

Katherine Walton, Miroslav Gantar, Patrick D. L. Gibbs, Michael C. Schmale, John P. Berry. Indole Alkaloids from Fischerella Inhibit Vertebrate Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model. Toxins. 2014; 6 (12):3568-3581.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Katherine Walton; Miroslav Gantar; Patrick D. L. Gibbs; Michael C. Schmale; John P. Berry. 2014. "Indole Alkaloids from Fischerella Inhibit Vertebrate Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model." Toxins 6, no. 12: 3568-3581.

Journal article
Published: 22 October 2012 in Marine Drugs
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Cyanobacteria are recognized producers of a wide array of toxic or otherwise bioactive secondary metabolites. The present study utilized the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo as an aquatic animal model of vertebrate development to identify, purify and characterize lipophilic inhibitors of development (i.e., developmental toxins) from an isolate of the freshwater cyanobacterial species, Aphanizomenon ovalisporum. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the purification, and subsequent chemical characterization, of an apparent homologous series of isotactic polymethoxy-1-alkenes (1–6), including three congeners (4–6) previously identified from the strain, and two variants previously identified from other species (2 and 3), as well as one apparently novel member of the series (1). Five of the PMAs in the series (1–5) were purified in sufficient quantity for comparative toxicological characterization, and toxicity in the zebrafish embryo model was found to generally correlate with relative chain length and/or methoxylation. Moreover, exposure of embryos to a combination of variants indicates an apparent synergistic interaction between the congeners. Although PMAs have been identified previously in cyanobacteria, this is the first report of their apparent toxicity. These results, along with the previously reported presence of the PMAs from several cyanobacterial species, suggest a possibly widespread distribution of the PMAs as toxic secondary metabolites and warrants further chemical and toxicological investigation.

ACS Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Miroslav Gantar; Patrick D. L. Gibbs; Michael C. Schmale; John P. Berry. Polymethoxy-1-alkenes from Aphanizomenon ovalisporum Inhibit Vertebrate Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model. Marine Drugs 2012, 10, 2322 -2336.

AMA Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza, Miroslav Gantar, Patrick D. L. Gibbs, Michael C. Schmale, John P. Berry. Polymethoxy-1-alkenes from Aphanizomenon ovalisporum Inhibit Vertebrate Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model. Marine Drugs. 2012; 10 (12):2322-2336.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Miroslav Gantar; Patrick D. L. Gibbs; Michael C. Schmale; John P. Berry. 2012. "Polymethoxy-1-alkenes from Aphanizomenon ovalisporum Inhibit Vertebrate Development in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo Model." Marine Drugs 10, no. 12: 2322-2336.

Journal article
Published: 25 May 2012 in Toxins
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) are recognized producers of a diverse array of toxic secondary metabolites. Of these, the lipopolysaccharides (LPS), produced by all cyanobacteria, remain to be well investigated. In the current study, we specifically employed the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo to investigate the effects of LPS from geographically diverse strains of the widespread cyanobacterial genus, Microcystis, on several detoxifying enzymes/pathways, including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)/glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and compared observed effects to those of heterotrophic bacterial (i.e., E. coli) LPS. In agreement with previous studies, cyanobacterial LPS significantly reduced GST in embryos exposed to LPS in all treatments. In contrast, GPx moderately increased in embryos exposed to LPS, with no effect on reciprocal GR activity. Interestingly, total glutathione levels were elevated in embryos exposed to Microcystis LPS, but the relative levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione (i.e., GSH/GSSG) were, likewise, elevated suggesting that oxidative stress is not involved in the observed effects as typical of heterotrophic bacterial LPS in mammalian systems. In further support of this, no effect was observed with respect to CAT or SOD activity. These findings demonstrate that Microcystis LPS affects glutathione-based detoxification pathways in the zebrafish embryo, and more generally, that this model is well suited for investigating the apparent toxicophore of cyanobacterial LPS, including possible differences in structure-activity relationships between heterotrophic and cyanobacterial LPS, and teleost fish versus mammalian systems.

ACS Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Miroslav Gantar; Gregory D. Mayer; Patrick D. L. Gibbs; John P. Berry. Effects of Cyanobacterial Lipopolysaccharides from Microcystis on Glutathione-Based Detoxification Pathways in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo. Toxins 2012, 4, 390 -404.

AMA Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza, Miroslav Gantar, Gregory D. Mayer, Patrick D. L. Gibbs, John P. Berry. Effects of Cyanobacterial Lipopolysaccharides from Microcystis on Glutathione-Based Detoxification Pathways in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo. Toxins. 2012; 4 (6):390-404.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Asha Jaja-Chimedza; Miroslav Gantar; Gregory D. Mayer; Patrick D. L. Gibbs; John P. Berry. 2012. "Effects of Cyanobacterial Lipopolysaccharides from Microcystis on Glutathione-Based Detoxification Pathways in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo." Toxins 4, no. 6: 390-404.

Original articles
Published: 15 May 2012 in International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Microcystins (MCs) are widespread cyanobacterial toxins in freshwater systems, and have been linked to both acute and chronic health effects. A growing number of studies suggest that MC can bioaccumulate in food webs. Although, several methods (i.e. ELISA, LC-MS) have been developed for analysis of MC in water, extraction (for subsequent analysis) of the toxin from biological matrices (i.e. animal tissues) is impeded owing to covalent binding of toxins and active sites of their cellular targets, i.e. protein phosphatases. As an alternative approach, chromatographic methods for analysis of a unique marker, 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutanoic acid (MMPB), the product of the Lemieux oxidation of MCs, have been previously developed, and shown to measure total (bound and unbound) MC. Application, however, has been limited by poor recovery of the analyte. An improved recovery method is proposed – specifically the use of solidphase microextraction (SPME). The MMPB analogue, 4-phenylbutanoic acid (4PB), and oxidized MC, were used to develop methods, and we specifically investigated several SPME fibres, and post-oxidation steps. Specifically, a method employing post-oxidation methyl esterification, followed by headspace SPME recovery of MMPB, was developed, and subsequently applied to analysis of environmental samples (i.e. fish tissues) previously shown to contain MCs. The method shows high linearity for both water and tissues spiked with MC, and an improved limit of quantitation of approximately 140 ng g−1. Evaluation of field samples by SPME-GC/MS detected considerably higher levels of MC, than detected by conventional methods (i.e. ELISA), and it is proposed that this technique reveals MC (particularly in the bound form) that is not detected by these methods. These results indicate that the developed method provides improved detection capability for MC in biological matrices, and will enhance our ability to understand bioaccumulation in freshwater food webs, as well as monitor exposure.

ACS Style

Patricia Suchy; John Berry. Detection of total microcystin in fish tissues based on lemieux oxidation and recovery of 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutanoic acid (MMPB) by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2012, 92, 1443 -1456.

AMA Style

Patricia Suchy, John Berry. Detection of total microcystin in fish tissues based on lemieux oxidation and recovery of 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutanoic acid (MMPB) by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. 2012; 92 (12):1443-1456.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Patricia Suchy; John Berry. 2012. "Detection of total microcystin in fish tissues based on lemieux oxidation and recovery of 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutanoic acid (MMPB) by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS)." International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 92, no. 12: 1443-1456.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2012 in Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Compared to the well-characterized health threats associated with contamination of fish and shellfish by algal toxins in marine fisheries, the toxicological relevance of the bioaccumulation of toxins from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), as the primary toxigenic algae in freshwater systems, remains relatively unknown. Lake Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico) is a small, tropical lake system specifically characterized by a year-round dominance of the known toxigenic cyanobacterial genus, Cylindrospermopsis, and by low, but detectable, levels of both a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin, cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). In the present study, we evaluated, using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), levels of both toxins in several species of finfish caught and consumed locally in the region to investigate the bioaccumulation of, and possible health threats associated with, these toxins as potential foodborne contaminants. ELISA detected levels of both CYN and PSTs in fish tissues from the lake. Levels were generally low (≤1 ng g−1 tissue); however, calculated bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) indicate that toxin levels exceed the rather low levels in the water column and, consequently, indicated bioaccumulation (BAF>1). A reasonable correlation was observed between measured bioaccumulation of CYN and PSTs, possibly indicating a mutual source of both toxins, and most likely cells of Cylindrospermopsis, the dominant cyanobacteria in the lake, and a known producer of both metabolites. The potential roles of trophic transport in the system, as well as possible implications for human health with regards to bioaccumulation, are discussed.

ACS Style

J.P. Berry; A. Jaja-Chimedza; L. Dávalos-Lind; O. Lind. Apparent bioaccumulation of cylindrospermopsin and paralytic shellfish toxins by finfish in Lake Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico). Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A 2012, 29, 314 -321.

AMA Style

J.P. Berry, A. Jaja-Chimedza, L. Dávalos-Lind, O. Lind. Apparent bioaccumulation of cylindrospermopsin and paralytic shellfish toxins by finfish in Lake Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico). Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A. 2012; 29 (2):314-321.

Chicago/Turabian Style

J.P. Berry; A. Jaja-Chimedza; L. Dávalos-Lind; O. Lind. 2012. "Apparent bioaccumulation of cylindrospermopsin and paralytic shellfish toxins by finfish in Lake Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico)." Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A 29, no. 2: 314-321.

Journal article
Published: 03 May 2011 in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Lago de Patzcuaro is a historically important freshwater fishery in Mexico. The lake is presently characterized by a persistent bloom of cyanobacteria, specifically dominated by recognized producers of toxic microcystins (MCYSTs). We evaluated MCYSTs in sestonic and dissolved fractions of the water column, as well as representative fish species (silversides, Chirostoma spp.; Goodea sp.; and carp, Cyprinus carpio) obtained from local markets and small commercial catches during the bloom. Samples were evaluated primarily by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and secondarily by protein phosphatase (PPase) inhibition assay and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Sestonic MCYST concentration (0.02–0.36 µg/L) generally correlated inversely with distance from the bloom, supporting the bloom as the source of the toxin. Several MCYST variants, including MC‐LR, ‐LA and ‐LY, as well as didemethyl variants, were identified by LC‐MS/MS analysis. All three species of fish bioaccumulated MCYSTs in relevant tissues, and toxin content correlated with trophic level, with highest and lowest levels measured in phytoplanktivorous and zooplanktivorous representatives, respectively. Detection of MCYST in silversides and Goodea sp. is particularly relevant because both are consumed in their entirety, including viscera (e.g., liver) known to primarily accumulate MCYST. These results indicate that Lago de Patzcuaro is indeed characterized by a toxigenic bloom, and that commercially important fish species from the lake accumulate toxic MCYST in tissues relevant to human consumption. As such, this system may represent an ideal model of the trophic transfer of MCYSTs and its relevance to human and environmental health. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1621–1628. © 2011 SETAC

ACS Style

John P. Berry; Elisha Lee; Katherine Walton; Alan E. Wilson; Fernando Bernal-Brooks. Bioaccumulation of microcystins by fish associated with a persistent cyanobacterial bloom in Lago de Patzcuaro (Michoacan, Mexico). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2011, 30, 1621 -1628.

AMA Style

John P. Berry, Elisha Lee, Katherine Walton, Alan E. Wilson, Fernando Bernal-Brooks. Bioaccumulation of microcystins by fish associated with a persistent cyanobacterial bloom in Lago de Patzcuaro (Michoacan, Mexico). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 2011; 30 (7):1621-1628.

Chicago/Turabian Style

John P. Berry; Elisha Lee; Katherine Walton; Alan E. Wilson; Fernando Bernal-Brooks. 2011. "Bioaccumulation of microcystins by fish associated with a persistent cyanobacterial bloom in Lago de Patzcuaro (Michoacan, Mexico)." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 30, no. 7: 1621-1628.

Journal article
Published: 31 May 2010 in Toxicon
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Exposure to cyanobacterial toxins in freshwater systems, including both direct (e.g., drinking water) and indirect (e.g., bioaccumulation in food webs) routes, is emerging as a potentially significant threat to human health. We investigated cyanobacterial toxins, specifically cylindrospermopsin (CYN), the microcystins (MCYST) and the "paralytic shellfish toxins" (PST), in Lago Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico). Lago Catemaco is a tropical lake dominated by Cylindrospermopsis, specifically identified as Cylindrospermopsis catemaco and Cylindrospermopsis philippinensis, and characterized by an abundant, endemic species of snail (Pomacea patula catemacensis), known as "tegogolos," that is both consumed locally and commercially important. Samples of water, including dissolved and particulate fractions, as well as extracts of tegogolos, were screened using highly specific and sensitive ELISA. ELISA identified CYN and PST at low concentrations in only one sample of seston; however, both toxins were detected at appreciable quantities in tegogolos. Calculated bioaccumulation factors (BAF) support bioaccumulation of both toxins in tegogolos. The presence of CYN in the phytoplankton was further confirmed by HPLC-UV and LC-MS, following concentration and extraction of algal cells, but the toxin could not be confirmed by these methods in tegogolos. These data represent the first published evidence for CYN and the PST in Lago Catemaco and, indeed, for any freshwater system in Mexico. Identification of the apparent bioaccumulation of these toxins in tegogolos may suggest the need to further our understanding of the transfer of cyanobacterial toxins in freshwater food webs as it relates to human health.

ACS Style

John P. Berry; Owen Lind. First evidence of “paralytic shellfish toxins” and cylindrospermopsin in a Mexican freshwater system, Lago Catemaco, and apparent bioaccumulation of the toxins in “tegogolo” snails (Pomacea patula catemacensis). Toxicon 2010, 55, 930 -938.

AMA Style

John P. Berry, Owen Lind. First evidence of “paralytic shellfish toxins” and cylindrospermopsin in a Mexican freshwater system, Lago Catemaco, and apparent bioaccumulation of the toxins in “tegogolo” snails (Pomacea patula catemacensis). Toxicon. 2010; 55 (5):930-938.

Chicago/Turabian Style

John P. Berry; Owen Lind. 2010. "First evidence of “paralytic shellfish toxins” and cylindrospermopsin in a Mexican freshwater system, Lago Catemaco, and apparent bioaccumulation of the toxins in “tegogolo” snails (Pomacea patula catemacensis)." Toxicon 55, no. 5: 930-938.

Journal article
Published: 18 May 2010 in Environmental Toxicology
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Cyanobacteria are prevalent in the freshwater environment, reaching critical mass in harmful algal blooms. These organisms produce a variety of toxins including endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which have been previously shown to decrease glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. GST plays a vital role in detoxification response during oxidative stress and provides a first line of defense after toxic heavy metal insult, before increased metallothionein expression. Although some attention has focused on cyanobacterial LPS, little research has focused on effects of concurrent exposures with other toxicants. Because cyanobacterial LPS can alter detoxification enzymes including GST, we hypothesized that cyanobacterial LPS could potentiate metal toxicity. This study investigated the effects of LPS from two cyanobacterial species, Lyngbya spp. and Microcystis aeruginosa, on cadmium toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Forty-eight-hour CdCl(2) LC(50) values showed that coexposure of cadmium and Lyngbya LPS or Microcystis LPS resulted in significantly increased cadmium toxicity in comparison with cadmium alone. However, increased cadmium toxicity was not due to decreased GST activity as initially hypothesized. In concurrent Microcystis LPS-cadmium exposures, GST activity was significantly increased in comparison with control embryos at all time points and cadmium concentrations sampled. Concurrent Lyngbya LPS-cadmium exposures also resulted in increased GST activity at most exposure concentrations. These results indicate that regardless of mechanism, cyanobacterial LPS can potentiate the toxic effects of heavy metals. This represents a significant risk for aquatic organisms exposed to combinations of LPS and metals in the environment.

ACS Style

Emily G. Notch; Danielle M. Miniutti; John P. Berry; Gregory D. Mayer. Cyanobacterial LPS potentiates cadmium toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Environmental Toxicology 2010, 26, 498 -505.

AMA Style

Emily G. Notch, Danielle M. Miniutti, John P. Berry, Gregory D. Mayer. Cyanobacterial LPS potentiates cadmium toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Environmental Toxicology. 2010; 26 (5):498-505.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emily G. Notch; Danielle M. Miniutti; John P. Berry; Gregory D. Mayer. 2010. "Cyanobacterial LPS potentiates cadmium toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos." Environmental Toxicology 26, no. 5: 498-505.