Identification of a Polyketide Synthase Coding Sequence Specific for Anatoxin-a-Producing Oscillatoria Cyanobacteria

Abstract

We report the identification of a sequence from the genome of Oscillatoria sp. strain PCC 6506 coding for a polyketide synthase. Using 50 axenic cyanobacteria, we found this sequence only in the genomes of Oscillatoria strains producing anatoxin-a or homoanatoxin-a, indicating its likely involvement in the biosynthesis of these toxins.

Identification of genes for anatoxin-a biosynthesis in Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi

“…PCC 6506 and Anabaena sp. 37 (Cadel-Six et al, 2009;Mé jean et al, 2009;Rantala-Ylinen et al, 2011). Eight ana genes have been predicted, including three polyketide synthases (AnaE through AnaG).…”

Co-occurrence of microcystin and anatoxin-a in the freshwater lake Aydat (France): Analytical and molecular approaches during a three-year survey

“…To our knowledge, ANTX-a production in pelagic compartment of lakes has never been reported in France. The gene cluster has been identified (Cadel-Six et al, 2009;Mé jean et al, 2010;Rantala-Ylinen et al, 2011), allowing the development of PCR primers for the detection of potential ANTX-a producers.…”

Spatial and temporal variability in Phormidium mats and associated anatoxin-a and homoanatoxin-a in two New Zealand rivers

“…There is currently no method to assess the proportion of ATX and/or HTX producing strains within mats. The recent discovery of a putative genes involved in ATX and/or HTX production (Cadel-Six et al 2009, Méjean et al 2010 provides the opportunity to use quantitative molecular techniques to monitor levels and expressions of this gene and will enable the quantification of toxic strains within a sample. This ultimately will assist in the development of predictive models aimed at providing early warning of cyanobacterial mat proliferation and toxin production.…”