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F. Rodríguez
Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), 36390 Vigo, Spain

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Review
Published: 29 June 2021 in Toxins
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Marine biotoxins have been frequently implicated in morbidity and mortality events in numerous species of birds worldwide. Nevertheless, their effects on seabirds have often been overlooked and the associated ecological impact has not been extensively studied. On top of that, the number of published studies confirming by analyses the presence of marine biotoxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) in seabirds, although having increased in recent years, is still quite low. This review compiles information on studies evidencing the impact of HAB toxins on marine birds, with a special focus on the effects of paralytic and amnesic shellfish toxins (PSTs and ASTs). It is mainly centered on studies in which the presence of PSTs and/or ASTs in seabird samples was demonstrated through analyses. The analytical techniques commonly employed, the tissues selected and the adjustments done in protocols for processing seabird matrixes are summarized. Other topics covered include the role of different vectors in the seabird intoxications, information on clinical signs in birds affected by PSTs and ASTs, and multifactorial causes which could aggravate the syndromes. Close collaboration between seabird experts and marine biotoxins researchers is needed to identify and report the potential involvement of HABs and their toxins in the mortality events. Future studies on the PSTs and ASTs pharmacodynamics, together with the establishment of lethal doses in various seabird species, are also necessary. These studies would aid in the selection of the target organs for toxins analyses and in the postmortem intoxication diagnoses.

ACS Style

Begoña Ben-Gigirey; Lucía Soliño; Isabel Bravo; Francisco Rodríguez; María Casero. Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management. Toxins 2021, 13, 454 .

AMA Style

Begoña Ben-Gigirey, Lucía Soliño, Isabel Bravo, Francisco Rodríguez, María Casero. Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management. Toxins. 2021; 13 (7):454.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Begoña Ben-Gigirey; Lucía Soliño; Isabel Bravo; Francisco Rodríguez; María Casero. 2021. "Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management." Toxins 13, no. 7: 454.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2021 in Botanica Marina
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Dinoflagellates in the genus Gambierdiscus are known to produce potent neurotoxins known as ciguatoxins. These toxins vector through the food web and can reach sufficiently high levels to cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). In many regions of the Caribbean, little is known about the occurrence of CFP-causing species or the incidence of CFP, despite its apparent regional increase over the last few decades. Given the intraspecific variability in content and potencies of these toxins among Gambierdiscus species, the precise identification of local species of this genus is crucial. In this study we confirm the presence of the epibenthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus caribaeus in the Colombian continental Caribbean. Cells were collected in seagrass beds of Thalassia testudinum in Bonito Gordo, a site located on the western side of Bahía Concha, Tayrona National Natural Park, near the city of Santa Marta, Colombia. Subsequently, a single strain of Gambierdiscus could be established for further identification. Morphological (light and scanning electron microscopy), and molecular results (partial LSU and ITS rDNA sequencing) were consistent with the original description of G. caribaeus, as well as with the morphological characteristics shown by other authors in organisms obtained near the sampling area.

ACS Style

Edgar Arteaga-Sogamoso; Francisco Rodríguez; José Ernesto Mancera-Pineda. Morphological and molecular characterization of Gambierdiscus caribaeus (Dinophyceae), with a confirmation of its occurrence in the Colombian Caribbean Tayrona National Natural Park. Botanica Marina 2021, 64, 149 -159.

AMA Style

Edgar Arteaga-Sogamoso, Francisco Rodríguez, José Ernesto Mancera-Pineda. Morphological and molecular characterization of Gambierdiscus caribaeus (Dinophyceae), with a confirmation of its occurrence in the Colombian Caribbean Tayrona National Natural Park. Botanica Marina. 2021; 64 (2):149-159.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Edgar Arteaga-Sogamoso; Francisco Rodríguez; José Ernesto Mancera-Pineda. 2021. "Morphological and molecular characterization of Gambierdiscus caribaeus (Dinophyceae), with a confirmation of its occurrence in the Colombian Caribbean Tayrona National Natural Park." Botanica Marina 64, no. 2: 149-159.

Communication
Published: 19 November 2020 in Toxins
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A paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) episode developed in summer 2018 in the Rías Baixas (Galicia, NW Spain). The outbreak was associated with an unprecedentedly intense and long-lasting harmful algal bloom (HAB) (~one month) caused by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum. Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) were analyzed in extracts of 45 A. minutum strains isolated from the bloom by high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column oxidation and fluorescence detection (HPLC-PCOX-FLD). PSTs were also evaluated in tissues from marine fauna (invertebrates and fish) collected during the episode and in dolphin samples. The analysis of 45 A. minutum strains revealed a toxic profile including GTX1, GTX2, GTX3 and GTX4 toxins. With regard to the marine fauna samples, the highest PSTs levels were quantified in bivalve mollusks, but the toxins were also found in mullets, mackerels, starfish, squids and ascidians. This study reveals the potential accumulation of PSTs in marine invertebrates other than shellfish that could act as vectors in the trophic chain or pose a risk for human consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first time that PSTs are reported in ascidians and starfish from Spain. Moreover, it is the first time that evidence of PSTs in squids is described in Europe.

ACS Style

Begoña Ben-Gigirey; Araceli E. Rossignoli; Pilar Riobó; Francisco Rodríguez. First Report of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Marine Invertebrates and Fish in Spain. Toxins 2020, 12, 723 .

AMA Style

Begoña Ben-Gigirey, Araceli E. Rossignoli, Pilar Riobó, Francisco Rodríguez. First Report of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Marine Invertebrates and Fish in Spain. Toxins. 2020; 12 (11):723.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Begoña Ben-Gigirey; Araceli E. Rossignoli; Pilar Riobó; Francisco Rodríguez. 2020. "First Report of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Marine Invertebrates and Fish in Spain." Toxins 12, no. 11: 723.

Journal article
Published: 12 November 2020 in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
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The relationship between the ciguatoxin-producer benthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus and other epibenthic dinoflagellates in the Canary Islands was examined in macrophyte samples obtained from two locations of Fuerteventura Island in September 2016. The genera examined included Coolia, Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, Prorocentrum, Scrippsiella, Sinophysis, and Vulcanodinium. Distinct assemblages among these benthic dinoflagellates and preferential macroalgal communities were observed. Vulcanodinium showed the highest cell concentrations (81.6 × 103 cells gr−1 wet weight macrophyte), followed by Ostreopsis (25.2 × 103 cells gr−1 wet weight macrophyte). These two species were most represented at a station (Playitas) characterized by turfy Rhodophytes. In turn, Gambierdiscus (3.8 × 103 cells gr−1 wet weight macrophyte) and Sinophysis (2.6 × 103 cells gr−1 wet weight macrophyte) were mostly found in a second station (Cotillo) dominated by Rhodophytes and Phaeophytes. The influence of macrophyte’s thallus architecture on the abundance of dinoflagellates was observed. Filamentous morphotypes followed by macroalgae arranged in entangled clumps presented more richness of epiphytic dinoflagellates. Morphometric analysis was applied to Gambierdiscus specimens. By large, G. excentricus was the most abundant species and G. australes occupied the second place. The toxigenic potential of some of the genera/species distributed in the benthic habitats of the Canary coasts, together with the already known presence of ciguatera in the region, merits future studies on possible transmission of their toxins in the marine food chain.

ACS Style

Isabel Bravo; Francisco Rodríguez; Isabel Ramilo; Julio Afonso-Carrillo. Epibenthic Harmful Marine Dinoflagellates from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), with Special Reference to the Ciguatoxin-Producing Gambierdiscus. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2020, 8, 909 .

AMA Style

Isabel Bravo, Francisco Rodríguez, Isabel Ramilo, Julio Afonso-Carrillo. Epibenthic Harmful Marine Dinoflagellates from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), with Special Reference to the Ciguatoxin-Producing Gambierdiscus. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2020; 8 (11):909.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Isabel Bravo; Francisco Rodríguez; Isabel Ramilo; Julio Afonso-Carrillo. 2020. "Epibenthic Harmful Marine Dinoflagellates from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), with Special Reference to the Ciguatoxin-Producing Gambierdiscus." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 8, no. 11: 909.

Research article
Published: 01 November 2020 in Phycologia
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Two strains of Prorocentrum texanum (LPCc020 and LPCc032) were established from coastal waters of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Field and cultured materials were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, and the planktonic species Prorocentrum texanum, a known okadaic acid producer, was identified. We compared morphology, genetics and toxin profile of P. texanum based on material from Argentina in relation to strains from the Gulf of México. Our specimens and those described in the protologue of P. texanum var. texanum had similar shape, thecal ornamentation distribution patterns of large and small pores, and morphology of wings supported by platelets 1 and 4, respectively. Morphometric differences occurred in the ranges of length, depth and diameter of thecal plate pores. Morphology of the periflagellar area was described from Argentinean strains. SSU, ITS and LSU rDNA-based phylogenies of strains LPCc020 and LPCc032 placed them with other sequences of P. texanum. ITS rDNA showed that the most closely species, in order, are P. micans, P. steidingerae, P. mexicanum/P. rhathymum, and P. koreanum. The ability of the Argentinian strains to produce marine biotoxins was assessed, but, no toxins were detected. This is the first report of P. texanum outside the Gulf of México.

ACS Style

Inés Sunesen; Francisco Rodríguez Hernández; Delfina Aguiar Juárez; Jonás Adrián Tardivo Kubis; Andrea Susana Lavigne; Araceli Rossignoli; Pilar Riobó; Eugenia A. Sar. Morphology, genetics and toxin profile of Prorocentrum texanum (Dinophyceae) from Argentinian marine coastal waters. Phycologia 2020, 59, 634 -650.

AMA Style

Inés Sunesen, Francisco Rodríguez Hernández, Delfina Aguiar Juárez, Jonás Adrián Tardivo Kubis, Andrea Susana Lavigne, Araceli Rossignoli, Pilar Riobó, Eugenia A. Sar. Morphology, genetics and toxin profile of Prorocentrum texanum (Dinophyceae) from Argentinian marine coastal waters. Phycologia. 2020; 59 (6):634-650.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Inés Sunesen; Francisco Rodríguez Hernández; Delfina Aguiar Juárez; Jonás Adrián Tardivo Kubis; Andrea Susana Lavigne; Araceli Rossignoli; Pilar Riobó; Eugenia A. Sar. 2020. "Morphology, genetics and toxin profile of Prorocentrum texanum (Dinophyceae) from Argentinian marine coastal waters." Phycologia 59, no. 6: 634-650.

Journal article
Published: 06 October 2020 in Harmful Algae
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Photosynthetic species of the dinoflagellate genus Dinophysis are known to retain temporary cryptophyte plastids of the Teleaulax/Plagioselmis/Geminigera clade after feeding the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum. In the present study, partial plastid 23S rDNA sequences were retrieved in Southern Chilean waters from oceanic (Los Lagos region), and fjord systems (Aysén region), in single cells of Dinophysis and accompanying organisms (the heliozoan Actinophrys cf. sol and tintinnid ciliates), identified by means of morphological discrimination under the light microscope. All plastid 23S rDNA sequences (n = 23) from Dinophysis spp. (Dinophysis acuta, D. caudata, D. tripos and D. subcircularis) belonged to cryptophytes from clade V (Rhinomonas, Rhodomonas and Storeatula), although they could not be identified at genus level. Moreover, five plastid sequences obtained from heliozoans (Actinophryida, tentatively identified as Actinophrys cf. sol), and tintinnid ciliates, grouped together with those cryptophyte sequences. In contrast, two additional sequences from tintinnids belonged to other taxa (chlorophytes and cyanobacteria). Overall, the present study represents the first time that red cryptophyte plastids outside of the Teleaulax/Plagioselmis/Geminigera clade dominate in wild photosynthetic Dinophysis spp. These findings suggest that either Dinophysis spp. are able to feed on other ciliate prey than Mesodinium and/or that cryptophyte plastids from clade V prevail in members of the M. rubrum species complex in the studied area.

ACS Style

Patricio A. Díaz; Concepción Fernández-Pena; Iván Pérez-Santos; Ángela Baldrich; Manuel Díaz; Francisco Rodríguez. Dinophysis Ehrenberg (Dinophyceae) in Southern Chile harbours red cryptophyte plastids from Rhodomonas/Storeatula clade. Harmful Algae 2020, 99, 101907 .

AMA Style

Patricio A. Díaz, Concepción Fernández-Pena, Iván Pérez-Santos, Ángela Baldrich, Manuel Díaz, Francisco Rodríguez. Dinophysis Ehrenberg (Dinophyceae) in Southern Chile harbours red cryptophyte plastids from Rhodomonas/Storeatula clade. Harmful Algae. 2020; 99 ():101907.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Patricio A. Díaz; Concepción Fernández-Pena; Iván Pérez-Santos; Ángela Baldrich; Manuel Díaz; Francisco Rodríguez. 2020. "Dinophysis Ehrenberg (Dinophyceae) in Southern Chile harbours red cryptophyte plastids from Rhodomonas/Storeatula clade." Harmful Algae 99, no. : 101907.

Journal article
Published: 23 July 2020 in European Journal of Phycology
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ACS Style

Inés Sunesen; Francisco Rodríguez; Jonás A. Tardivo Kubis; Delfina Aguiar Juárez; Antonella Risso; Andrea S. Lavigne; Stephan Wietkamp; Urban Tillmann; Eugenia A. Sar. Morphological and molecular characterization of Heterocapsa claromecoensis sp. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) from Buenos Aires coastal waters (Argentina). European Journal of Phycology 2020, 55, 490 -506.

AMA Style

Inés Sunesen, Francisco Rodríguez, Jonás A. Tardivo Kubis, Delfina Aguiar Juárez, Antonella Risso, Andrea S. Lavigne, Stephan Wietkamp, Urban Tillmann, Eugenia A. Sar. Morphological and molecular characterization of Heterocapsa claromecoensis sp. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) from Buenos Aires coastal waters (Argentina). European Journal of Phycology. 2020; 55 (4):490-506.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Inés Sunesen; Francisco Rodríguez; Jonás A. Tardivo Kubis; Delfina Aguiar Juárez; Antonella Risso; Andrea S. Lavigne; Stephan Wietkamp; Urban Tillmann; Eugenia A. Sar. 2020. "Morphological and molecular characterization of Heterocapsa claromecoensis sp. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) from Buenos Aires coastal waters (Argentina)." European Journal of Phycology 55, no. 4: 490-506.

Journal article
Published: 06 March 2020 in European Journal of Protistology
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Marine parasites of the genus Parvilucifera have been described as endoparasitoids of dinoflagellates. Recently, the species Parvilucifera corolla was described, but its host range was not examined. Here, the host selectivity of P. corolla was screened, including 110 strains of dinoflagellates (24 genera) and other microalgal groups as potential hosts. Infections and the full life cycle of the parasitoid were observed in 73 strains (16 genera) of dinoflagellates. Parvilucifera corolla did not infect most chlorophytes, cryptophytes, chrysophytes, diatoms, haptophytes and raphidophytes but one strain of Pyramimonas (chlorophyte) was infected, although without viable sporangia. In Symbiodinium natans, a transition to the coccoid stage was induced above a certain parasite:host ratio. These results confirm P. corolla as a generalist parasitoid of dinoflagellates, with important differences in host range regarding other species of the genus.

ACS Style

Francisco Rodríguez; Rosa I. Figueroa. Confirmation of the wide host range of Parvilucifera corolla (Alveolata, Perkinsozoa). European Journal of Protistology 2020, 74, 125690 .

AMA Style

Francisco Rodríguez, Rosa I. Figueroa. Confirmation of the wide host range of Parvilucifera corolla (Alveolata, Perkinsozoa). European Journal of Protistology. 2020; 74 ():125690.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francisco Rodríguez; Rosa I. Figueroa. 2020. "Confirmation of the wide host range of Parvilucifera corolla (Alveolata, Perkinsozoa)." European Journal of Protistology 74, no. : 125690.

Journal article
Published: 29 January 2020 in Microorganisms
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Dinoflagellate species of Dinophysis are obligate mixotrophs that require light, nutrients, and prey for sustained growth. Information about their nitrogenous nutrient preferences and their uptake kinetics are scarce. This study aimed to determine the preferred nitrogen sources in cultures of D. acuminata and D. acuta strains from the Galician Rías Baixas (NW Spain) and to compare their uptake kinetics. Well-fed versus starved cultures of D. acuminata and D. acuta were supplied with N15 labeled inorganic (nitrate, ammonium) and organic (urea) nutrients. Both species showed a preference for ammonium and urea whereas uptake of nitrate was negligible. Uptake rates by well-fed cells of D. acuminata and D. acuta were 200% and 50% higher, respectively, than by starved cells. Uptake of urea by D. acuminata was significantly higher than that of ammonium in both nutritional conditions. In contrast, similar uptake rates of both compounds were observed in D. acuta. The apparent inability of Dinophysis to take up nitrate suggests the existence of incomplete nitrate-reducing and assimilatory pathways, in line with the paucity of nitrate transporter homologs in the D. acuminata reference transcriptome. Results derived from this study will contribute to understand Harmful Algal Blooms succession and differences in the spatio-temporal distribution of the two Dinophysis species when they co-occur in stratified scenarios.

ACS Style

María García-Portela; Beatriz Reguera; Jesús Gago; Mickael Le Gac; Francisco Rodríguez. Uptake of Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources by Dinophysis acuminata and D. acuta. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 187 .

AMA Style

María García-Portela, Beatriz Reguera, Jesús Gago, Mickael Le Gac, Francisco Rodríguez. Uptake of Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources by Dinophysis acuminata and D. acuta. Microorganisms. 2020; 8 (2):187.

Chicago/Turabian Style

María García-Portela; Beatriz Reguera; Jesús Gago; Mickael Le Gac; Francisco Rodríguez. 2020. "Uptake of Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources by Dinophysis acuminata and D. acuta." Microorganisms 8, no. 2: 187.

Journal article
Published: 03 October 2019 in Harmful Algae
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Dinoflagellate species of Dinophysis, in particular D. acuminata and D. acuta, produce lipophilic toxins that pose a threat to human health when concentrated in shellfish and jeopardize shellfish exploitations in western Europe. In northwestern Iberia, D. acuminata has a long growing season, from spring to early autumn, and populations develop as soon as shallow stratification forms when the upwelling season begins. In contrast, D. acuta blooms in late summer, when the depth of the pycnocline is maximal and upwelling pulses are moderate. In situ observations on the hydrodynamic regimes during the two windows of opportunity for Dinophysis species led us to hypothesize that D. acuta should be more sensitive to turbulence than D. acuminata. To test this hypothesis, we studied the response of D. acuminata and D. acuta to three realistic turbulence levels low (LT), ε ≈ 10-6 m2 s-3; medium (MT), ε ≈ 10-5 m2 s-3 and high (HT), ε ≈ 10-4 m2 s-3generated by Turbogen, a highly reproducible, computer-controlled system. Cells of both species exposed to LT and MT grew at rates similar to the controls. Marked differences were found in the response to HT: D. acuminata grew slowly after an initial lag phase, whereas D. acuta cell numbers declined. Results from this study support the hypothesis that turbulence may play a role in shaping the spatio-temporal distribution of individual species of Dinophysis. We also hypothesize that, in addition to cell disturbance affecting division, sustained high shear generated by microturbulence may cause a decline in Dinophysis numbers due to decreased densities of ciliate prey.

ACS Style

María García-Portela; Beatriz Reguera; Maurizio Ribera D’Alcalà; Francisco Rodríguez; Marina Montresor. Effects of small-scale turbulence on two species of Dinophysis. Harmful Algae 2019, 89, 101654 .

AMA Style

María García-Portela, Beatriz Reguera, Maurizio Ribera D’Alcalà, Francisco Rodríguez, Marina Montresor. Effects of small-scale turbulence on two species of Dinophysis. Harmful Algae. 2019; 89 ():101654.

Chicago/Turabian Style

María García-Portela; Beatriz Reguera; Maurizio Ribera D’Alcalà; Francisco Rodríguez; Marina Montresor. 2019. "Effects of small-scale turbulence on two species of Dinophysis." Harmful Algae 89, no. : 101654.

Articles
Published: 19 September 2019 in European Journal of Phycology
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A new warm-water benthic dinoflagellate species, Coolia guanchica sp. nov., is described from the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean), a subtropical archipelago with a rich benthic biodiversity. Samples of benthic microalgae were collected at Tenerife, and three strains of a previously unreported ribotype of the genus Coolia were found. Identification was carried out by combining morphological (light microscope, LM; and scanning electron microscope, SEM) and molecular (large subunit ribosomal gene, LSU rRNA; and internal transcribed spacer region, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA) data from clonal cultures. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new strains formed a well-supported clade, sister to Coolia canariensis. The genetic distance of more than 0.20 for LSU and 0.30 for the ITS region (uncorrected p values) from the closest members of the genus (C. canariensis and C. cf. canariensis) showed species-level divergence to justify the description of a new species, Coolia guanchica sp. nov. A bioassay with Artemia salina was used to check the toxicity of the species, with negative results. Coolia guanchica has rounded cells, with plate 4′ as the largest plate of the epitheca and plate 6′′ about twice as wide as long, similar to C. canariensis and C. areolata. It differs morphologically from the other two ribotypes in the C. canariensis complex in having a lighter hypothecal ornamentation, larger thecal plate pores scattered randomly throughout the cell and higher pore density per thecal plate.

ACS Style

Helena David; Aitor Laza-Martínez; Francisco Rodríguez; Santiago Fraga; Emma Orive. Coolia guanchica sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) a new epibenthic dinoflagellate from the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean). European Journal of Phycology 2019, 55, 76 -88.

AMA Style

Helena David, Aitor Laza-Martínez, Francisco Rodríguez, Santiago Fraga, Emma Orive. Coolia guanchica sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) a new epibenthic dinoflagellate from the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean). European Journal of Phycology. 2019; 55 (1):76-88.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Helena David; Aitor Laza-Martínez; Francisco Rodríguez; Santiago Fraga; Emma Orive. 2019. "Coolia guanchica sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) a new epibenthic dinoflagellate from the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean)." European Journal of Phycology 55, no. 1: 76-88.

Journal article
Published: 19 July 2019 in Toxins
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Dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Gambierdiscus produce ciguatoxins (CTXs), which are metabolized in fish to more toxic forms and subsequently cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in humans. Five species of Gambierdiscus have been described from the Canary Islands, where CTXs in fish have been reported since 2004. Here we present new data on the distribution of Gambierdiscus species in the Canary archipelago and specifically from two islands, La Palma and La Gomera, where the genus had not been previously reported. Gambierdiscus spp. concentrations were low, with maxima of 88 and 29 cells·g−1 wet weight in samples from La Gomera and La Palma, respectively. Molecular analysis (LSUrRNA gene sequences) revealed differences in the species distribution between the two islands: only G. excentricus was detected at La Palma whereas four species, G. australes, G. caribaeus, G. carolinianus, and G. excentricus, were identified from La Gomera. Morphometric analyses of cultured cells of the five Canary Islands species and of field specimens from La Gomera included cell size and a characterization of three thecal arrangement traits: (1) the shape of the 2′ plate, (2) the position of Po in the anterior suture of the 2′ plate, and (3) the length–width relationship of the 2″″ plate. Despite the wide morphological variability within the culture and field samples, the use of two or more variables allowed the discrimination of two species in the La Gomera samples: G. cf. excentricus and G. cf. silvae. A comparison of the molecular data with the morphologically based classification demonstrated important coincidences, such as the dominance of G. excentricus, but also differences in the species composition of Gambierdiscus, as G. caribaeus was detected in the study area only by using molecular methods.

ACS Style

Isabel Bravo; Francisco Rodriguez; Isabel Ramilo; Pilar Rial; Santiago Fraga. Ciguatera-Causing Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus spp. (Dinophyceae) in a Subtropical Region of North Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands): Morphological Characterization and Biogeography. Toxins 2019, 11, 423 .

AMA Style

Isabel Bravo, Francisco Rodriguez, Isabel Ramilo, Pilar Rial, Santiago Fraga. Ciguatera-Causing Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus spp. (Dinophyceae) in a Subtropical Region of North Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands): Morphological Characterization and Biogeography. Toxins. 2019; 11 (7):423.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Isabel Bravo; Francisco Rodriguez; Isabel Ramilo; Pilar Rial; Santiago Fraga. 2019. "Ciguatera-Causing Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus spp. (Dinophyceae) in a Subtropical Region of North Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands): Morphological Characterization and Biogeography." Toxins 11, no. 7: 423.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2018 in Toxins
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Kleptoplastic mixotrophic species of the genus Dinophysis are cultured by feeding with the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, itself a kleptoplastic mixotroph, that in turn feeds on cryptophytes of the Teleaulax/Plagioselmis/Geminigera (TPG) clade. Optimal culture media for phototrophic growth of D. acuminata and D. acuta from the Galician Rías (northwest Spain) and culture media and cryptophyte prey for M. rubrum from Huelva (southwest Spain) used to feed Dinophysis, were investigated. Phototrophic growth rates and yields were maximal when D. acuminata and D. acuta were grown in ammonia-containing K(-Si) medium versus f/2(-Si) or L1(-Si) media. Dinophysis acuminata cultures were scaled up to 18 L in a photobioreactor. Large differences in cell toxin quota were observed in the same Dinophysis strains under different experimental conditions. Yields and duration of exponential growth were maximal for M. rubrum from Huelva when fed Teleaulax amphioxeia from the same region, versus T. amphioxeia from the Galician Rías or T. minuta and Plagioselmis prolonga. Limitations for mass cultivation of northern Dinophysis strains with southern M. rubrum were overcome using more favorable (1:20) Dinophysis: Mesodinium ratios. These subtleties highlight the ciliate strain-specific response to prey and its importance to mass production of M. rubrum and Dinophysis cultures.

ACS Style

Jorge Hernández-Urcera; Pilar Rial; María García-Portela; Patricia Lourés; Jane Kilcoyne; Francisco Rodríguez; Amelia Fernández-Villamarín; Beatriz Reguera. Notes on the Cultivation of Two Mixotrophic Dinophysis Species and Their Ciliate Prey Mesodinium rubrum. Toxins 2018, 10, 505 .

AMA Style

Jorge Hernández-Urcera, Pilar Rial, María García-Portela, Patricia Lourés, Jane Kilcoyne, Francisco Rodríguez, Amelia Fernández-Villamarín, Beatriz Reguera. Notes on the Cultivation of Two Mixotrophic Dinophysis Species and Their Ciliate Prey Mesodinium rubrum. Toxins. 2018; 10 (12):505.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jorge Hernández-Urcera; Pilar Rial; María García-Portela; Patricia Lourés; Jane Kilcoyne; Francisco Rodríguez; Amelia Fernández-Villamarín; Beatriz Reguera. 2018. "Notes on the Cultivation of Two Mixotrophic Dinophysis Species and Their Ciliate Prey Mesodinium rubrum." Toxins 10, no. 12: 505.

Journal article
Published: 11 July 2018 in Harmful Algae
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Three strains of the toxic benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum hoffmannianum were isolated in the Canary Islands (north-east Atlantic Ocean, Spain). The identity of the strains was determined by phylogenetic analyses of partial LSU rDNA (D1-D2 regions) but their morphology based on SEM images corresponded to P. maculosum. Their toxin profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis (LC–HRMS) on cell extracts and culture media. Okadaic acid and three analogs were detected in all strains. Rather, in culture media the detected compounds were variable among strains, two of them being okadaic acid analogs not found on cell extracts. As a result, the taxonomy of the species was revised and P. maculosum is proposed as a junior synonym of P. hoffmannianum whose description is emended.

ACS Style

Francisco Rodríguez; Pilar Riobó; Guillermo D. Crespín; Antonio Hernandez Daranas; Caterina R. de Vera; Manuel Norte; Jose Javier Fernandez; Santiago Fraga. The toxic benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum maculosum Faust is a synonym of Prorocentrum hoffmannianum Faust. Harmful Algae 2018, 78, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Francisco Rodríguez, Pilar Riobó, Guillermo D. Crespín, Antonio Hernandez Daranas, Caterina R. de Vera, Manuel Norte, Jose Javier Fernandez, Santiago Fraga. The toxic benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum maculosum Faust is a synonym of Prorocentrum hoffmannianum Faust. Harmful Algae. 2018; 78 ():1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francisco Rodríguez; Pilar Riobó; Guillermo D. Crespín; Antonio Hernandez Daranas; Caterina R. de Vera; Manuel Norte; Jose Javier Fernandez; Santiago Fraga. 2018. "The toxic benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum maculosum Faust is a synonym of Prorocentrum hoffmannianum Faust." Harmful Algae 78, no. : 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 14 June 2018 in Scientific Reports
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All characterized members of the ubiquitous genus Acaryochloris share the unique property of containing large amounts of chlorophyll (Chl) d, a pigment exhibiting a red absorption maximum strongly shifted towards infrared compared to Chl a. Chl d is the major pigment in these organisms and is notably bound to antenna proteins structurally similar to those of Prochloron, Prochlorothrix and Prochlorococcus, the only three cyanobacteria known so far to contain mono- or divinyl-Chl a and b as major pigments and to lack phycobilisomes. Here, we describe RCC1774, a strain isolated from the foreshore near Roscoff (France). It is phylogenetically related to members of the Acaryochloris genus but completely lacks Chl d. Instead, it possesses monovinyl-Chl a and b at a b/a molar ratio of 0.16, similar to that in Prochloron and Prochlorothrix. It differs from the latter by the presence of phycocyanin and a vestigial allophycocyanin energetically coupled to photosystems. Genome sequencing confirmed the presence of phycobiliprotein and Chl b synthesis genes. Based on its phylogeny, ultrastructural characteristics and unique pigment suite, we describe RCC1774 as a novel species that we name Acaryochloris thomasi. Its very unusual pigment content compared to other Acaryochloris spp. is likely related to its specific lifestyle.

ACS Style

Frédéric Partensky; Christophe Six; Morgane Ratin; Laurence Garczarek; Daniel Vaulot; Ian Probert; Alexandra Calteau; Priscillia Gourvil; Dominique Marie; Théophile Grébert; Christiane Bouchier; Sophie Le Panse; Martin Gachenot; Francisco Rodriguez; José L. Garrido. A novel species of the marine cyanobacterium Acaryochloris with a unique pigment content and lifestyle. Scientific Reports 2018, 8, 1 -13.

AMA Style

Frédéric Partensky, Christophe Six, Morgane Ratin, Laurence Garczarek, Daniel Vaulot, Ian Probert, Alexandra Calteau, Priscillia Gourvil, Dominique Marie, Théophile Grébert, Christiane Bouchier, Sophie Le Panse, Martin Gachenot, Francisco Rodriguez, José L. Garrido. A novel species of the marine cyanobacterium Acaryochloris with a unique pigment content and lifestyle. Scientific Reports. 2018; 8 (1):1-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Frédéric Partensky; Christophe Six; Morgane Ratin; Laurence Garczarek; Daniel Vaulot; Ian Probert; Alexandra Calteau; Priscillia Gourvil; Dominique Marie; Théophile Grébert; Christiane Bouchier; Sophie Le Panse; Martin Gachenot; Francisco Rodriguez; José L. Garrido. 2018. "A novel species of the marine cyanobacterium Acaryochloris with a unique pigment content and lifestyle." Scientific Reports 8, no. 1: 1-13.

Journal article
Published: 26 April 2018 in Marine Drugs
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Photosynthetic species of the genus Dinophysis are obligate mixotrophs with temporary plastids (kleptoplastids) that are acquired from the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, which feeds on cryptophytes of the Teleaulax-Plagioselmis-Geminigera clade. A metabolomic study of the three-species food chain Dinophysis-Mesodinium-Teleaulax was carried out using mass spectrometric analysis of extracts of batch-cultured cells of each level of that food chain. The main goal was to compare the metabolomic expression of Galician strains of Dinophysis acuminata and D. acuta that were subjected to different feeding regimes (well-fed and prey-limited) and feeding on two Mesodinium (Spanish and Danish) strains. Both Dinophysis species were able to grow while feeding on both Mesodinium strains, although differences in growth rates were observed. Toxin and metabolomic profiles of the two Dinophysis species were significantly different, and also varied between different feeding regimes and different prey organisms. Furthermore, significantly different metabolomes were expressed by a strain of D. acuminata that was feeding on different strains of the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum. Both species-specific metabolites and those common to D. acuminata and D. acuta were tentatively identified by screening of METLIN and Marine Natural Products Dictionary databases. This first metabolomic study applied to Dinophysis acuminata and D.acuta in culture establishes a basis for the chemical inventory of these species.

ACS Style

María García-Portela; Beatriz Reguera; Manoella Sibat; Andreas Altenburger; Francisco Rodríguez; Philipp Hess. Metabolomic Profiles of Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis acuta Using Non-Targeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Effect of Nutritional Status and Prey. Marine Drugs 2018, 16, 143 .

AMA Style

María García-Portela, Beatriz Reguera, Manoella Sibat, Andreas Altenburger, Francisco Rodríguez, Philipp Hess. Metabolomic Profiles of Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis acuta Using Non-Targeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Effect of Nutritional Status and Prey. Marine Drugs. 2018; 16 (5):143.

Chicago/Turabian Style

María García-Portela; Beatriz Reguera; Manoella Sibat; Andreas Altenburger; Francisco Rodríguez; Philipp Hess. 2018. "Metabolomic Profiles of Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis acuta Using Non-Targeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Effect of Nutritional Status and Prey." Marine Drugs 16, no. 5: 143.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2017 in Harmful Algae
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A new species of toxic benthic dinoflagellate is described based on laboratory cultures isolated from two locations from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. The morphology was studied with SEM and LM. Cells are elliptical in right thecal view and flat. They are 37-44μm long and 29-36μm wide. The right thecal plate has a V shaped indentation where six platelets can be identified. The thecal surface of both thecal plates is smooth and has round or kidney shaped and uniformly distributed pores except in the central area of the cell, and a line of marginal pores. Some cells present an elongated depression on the central area of the apical part of the right thecal plate. Prorocentrum caipirignum is similar to Prorocentrum lima in its morphology, but can be differentiated by the general cell shape, being elliptical while P. lima is ovoid. In the phylogenetic trees based on ITS and LSU rDNA sequences, the P. caipirignum clade appears close to the clades of P. lima and Prorocentrum hoffmannianum. The Brazilian strains of P. caipirignum formed a clade with strains from Cuba, Hainan Island and Malaysia and it is therefore likely that this new species has a broad tropical distribution. Prorocentrum caipirignum is a toxic species that produces okadaic acid and the fast acting toxin prorocentrolide.

ACS Style

Silvia M. Nascimento; M. Cristina Q. Mendes; Mariângela Menezes; Francisco Rodríguez; Catharina Alves-De-Souza; Suema Branco; Pilar Riobó; José Franco; José Marcos C. Nunes; Mariusz Huk; Steven Morris; Santiago Fraga. Morphology and phylogeny of Prorocentrum caipirignum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new tropical toxic benthic dinoflagellate. Harmful Algae 2017, 70, 73 -89.

AMA Style

Silvia M. Nascimento, M. Cristina Q. Mendes, Mariângela Menezes, Francisco Rodríguez, Catharina Alves-De-Souza, Suema Branco, Pilar Riobó, José Franco, José Marcos C. Nunes, Mariusz Huk, Steven Morris, Santiago Fraga. Morphology and phylogeny of Prorocentrum caipirignum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new tropical toxic benthic dinoflagellate. Harmful Algae. 2017; 70 ():73-89.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia M. Nascimento; M. Cristina Q. Mendes; Mariângela Menezes; Francisco Rodríguez; Catharina Alves-De-Souza; Suema Branco; Pilar Riobó; José Franco; José Marcos C. Nunes; Mariusz Huk; Steven Morris; Santiago Fraga. 2017. "Morphology and phylogeny of Prorocentrum caipirignum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new tropical toxic benthic dinoflagellate." Harmful Algae 70, no. : 73-89.

Regular article
Published: 01 December 2017 in Journal of Phycology
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A planktonic‐benthic relationship has been described for many dinoflagellate species as part of their ecological strategy to overcome highly variable aquatic environments. Here, the phylogenetically and morphologically related marine dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum and Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum were studied in relation to an unknown benthic life form. In vivo and fixed samples from cultures were analyzed in detail by light and scanning electron microscopy. In both species, a cell type with a morphology different from that of vegetative cells was observed in cultures grown until stationary phase. This cell type was always benthic, swimming sporadically only when it was disturbed. Its main feature included a strong dorsoventral compression. These cells originated from vegetative cells whose protoplasm underwent a progressive flattening, resulting in a gradual detachment of the reticulate and thick thecal plates and the formation of very thin non‐reticulated new plates with pores. When returned to fresh full‐strength medium, the cells recovered their spherical vegetative‐like morphology, including new reticulated thick plates and subsequent cell divisions. The kinetics of flattened cell formation showed that in both species, this cell type increased exponentially until the onset of the culture stationary phase and then decreased. The results of this study are discussed in the context of the planktonic–benthic coupling in dinoflagellate life cycles, including those newly appreciated to be well adapted to the benthic environment.

ACS Style

Pablo Salgado; Santiago Fraga; Francisco Rodriguez; Isabel Bravo. Benthic flattened cells of the phylogenetically related marine dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum and Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum (Gonyaulacales): a new type of cyst? Journal of Phycology 2017, 54, 138 -149.

AMA Style

Pablo Salgado, Santiago Fraga, Francisco Rodriguez, Isabel Bravo. Benthic flattened cells of the phylogenetically related marine dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum and Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum (Gonyaulacales): a new type of cyst? Journal of Phycology. 2017; 54 (1):138-149.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pablo Salgado; Santiago Fraga; Francisco Rodriguez; Isabel Bravo. 2017. "Benthic flattened cells of the phylogenetically related marine dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum and Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum (Gonyaulacales): a new type of cyst?" Journal of Phycology 54, no. 1: 138-149.

Regular article
Published: 01 December 2017 in Journal of Phycology
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The family Ceratocoryaceae includes the genera Ceratocorys, Protoceratium, and Schuettiella, whose phylogenetic relationships are poorly known. Here, the new non‐yessotoxin‐producing species of the genus Ceratocorys, Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum sp. nov., previously reported as the toxic Protoceratium reticulatum, is described from examinations by light and scanning electron microscopy, molecular phylogeny, and toxin analyses. The species description is made from culture samples of strains CCMP1740 and CCMP404 from USA waters. Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum is globular and has thick and strongly reticulated plates with one pore within each reticule, just like P. reticulatum, but the key difference between the two species is the presence of five precingular plates in C. mariaovidiorum instead of six as in P. reticulatum. The thecal plate formula is Po, 4′, 0a, 5″, 6c, ~7s, 5‴, 0p, 2′′′′. The apical pore plate is oval with a λ‐shaped pore. The first apical plate is narrow with a ventral pore on the right anterior side; it contacts the apical pore plate and its contact with the anterior sulcal plate is slight or absent. The fourth precingular plate of other Gonyaulacales is absent. Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum may have small spines on the second antapical plate. A phylogenetic study based on internal transcribed spacer/5.8SrDNA supports the morphological classification of C. mariaovidiorum as a new species of Ceratocorys and in a different clade from P. reticulatum.

ACS Style

Pablo Salgado; Santiago Fraga; Francisco Rodríguez; Pilar Riobó; Isabel Bravo. Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum sp. nov. (Gonyaulacales), a new dinoflagellate species previously reported as Protoceratium reticulatum. Journal of Phycology 2017, 54, 126 -137.

AMA Style

Pablo Salgado, Santiago Fraga, Francisco Rodríguez, Pilar Riobó, Isabel Bravo. Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum sp. nov. (Gonyaulacales), a new dinoflagellate species previously reported as Protoceratium reticulatum. Journal of Phycology. 2017; 54 (1):126-137.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pablo Salgado; Santiago Fraga; Francisco Rodríguez; Pilar Riobó; Isabel Bravo. 2017. "Ceratocorys mariaovidiorum sp. nov. (Gonyaulacales), a new dinoflagellate species previously reported as Protoceratium reticulatum." Journal of Phycology 54, no. 1: 126-137.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2017 in Toxicon
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The toxin profile and hemolytic activity of a strain of Ostreopsis cf. ovata (UFBA013) isolated from Todos os Santos Bay (northeastern Brazil) were evaluated under different levels of N and P. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS rDNA region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) placed UFBA013 within the Atlantic/Mediterranean/Pacific clade of O. cf. ovata. Growth experiments were conducted in f/2 medium modified by adding N and P (P: 0-36 μM; N: 0-882 μM). The growth kinetics was adequately described by logistic equations. The best growth (highest Gm) was recorded under levels of N/P = 0/18, 129/5 and 441/36, while one of the lowest Gm was obtained under P-depletion. The maximum and specific maximum growth rates (as vm; cells mL(-1) d(-1) and μm; d(-1)) were achieved with N limitation (N/P = 441/36) and P-limitation/depletion (753/5.3 and 441/0) and are the highest values reported in the literature, most similar to isolates from Pacific and Mediterranean areas. The control experiment (N/P = 441/18) also yielded similar values to those from some Mediterranean isolates, but higher than formerly reported for Brazilian isolates. In all conditions assayed, no palytoxin (PLTX) was detected. The ovatoxins (OVTXs) a, b, c, d and e did not show significant differences in cell quota between exponential and stationary phases. A significant relationship was detected between OVTXs concentration and hemolytic activity.

ACS Style

Maria Cristina De Q. Mendes; José Marcos C. Nunes; Mariângela Menezes; Santiago Fraga; Francisco Rodriguez; José A. Vázquez; Juan Blanco; José M. Franco; Pilar Riobó. Toxin production, growth kinetics and molecular characterization of Ostreopsis cf. ovata isolated from Todos os Santos Bay, tropical southwestern Atlantic. Toxicon 2017, 138, 18 -30.

AMA Style

Maria Cristina De Q. Mendes, José Marcos C. Nunes, Mariângela Menezes, Santiago Fraga, Francisco Rodriguez, José A. Vázquez, Juan Blanco, José M. Franco, Pilar Riobó. Toxin production, growth kinetics and molecular characterization of Ostreopsis cf. ovata isolated from Todos os Santos Bay, tropical southwestern Atlantic. Toxicon. 2017; 138 ():18-30.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Cristina De Q. Mendes; José Marcos C. Nunes; Mariângela Menezes; Santiago Fraga; Francisco Rodriguez; José A. Vázquez; Juan Blanco; José M. Franco; Pilar Riobó. 2017. "Toxin production, growth kinetics and molecular characterization of Ostreopsis cf. ovata isolated from Todos os Santos Bay, tropical southwestern Atlantic." Toxicon 138, no. : 18-30.