Toxicological effects of cyanobacterial metabolites on zebrafish larval development

Author(s)

Jacinavicius, Fernanda R. ; Geraldes, Vanessa ; Fernandes, Kelly ; Crnkovic, Camila M. ; Gama, Watson A. ; Pinto, Ernani

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HARMFUL ALGAE; v. 125, p. 16-pg., 2023-03-31.

Abstract

Freshwater cyanobacteria are known worldwide for their potential to produce toxins. However, these organisms are also found in marine, terrestrial and extreme environments and produce unique compounds, other than toxins. Nevertheless, their effects on biological systems are still barely known. This work tested extracts of different cyanobacterial strains against zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae and analyzed their metabolomic profiles using liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Strains Desertifilum tharense, Anagnostidinema amphibium, and Nostoc sp. promoted morphological abnormalities such as pericardial edema, edema in the digestive system region, curvature of the tail and spine in zebrafish larvae in vivo. In contrast, Microcystis aer-uginosa and Chlorogloeopsis sp. did not promote such changes. Metabolomics revealed unique compounds belonging to the classes of terpenoids, peptides, and linear lipopeptides/microginins in the nontoxic strains. The toxic strains were shown to contain unique compounds belonging to the classes of cyclic peptides, amino acids and other peptides, anabaenopeptins, lipopeptides, terpenoids, and alkaloids and derivatives. Other unknown compounds were also detected, highlighting the rich structural diversity of secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria. The effects of cyanobacterial metabolites on living organisms, mainly those related to potential human and ecotoxicological risks, are still poorly known. This work highlights the diverse, complex, and unique metabolomic profiles of cyanobacteria and the biotechnological potential and associated risks of exposure to their metabolites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07710-7 - Biotechnological prospection of natural products from cyanobacteria
• Grantee: Camila Manoel Crnkovic
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/27707-3 - Implementation of the mass spectrometry-based proteomics service at FoRC
• Grantee: Vanessa Sofia Mendes Geraldes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 21/00149-0 - Treatment and selective fractionation of cyanobacteria in blooms for the production of value-added supplies
• Grantee: Ernani Pinto Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC