Novel high throughput sequencing - fluorometric approach demonstrates Microcystis blooms across western Lake Erie are promoted by grazing resistance and nutrient enhanced growth

Ladds, Megan; Jankowiak, Jennifer G.; Gobler, Christopher J.

doi:10.1016/j.hal.2021.102126

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 149 publications

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“…Positive correlations of BGC transcript abundance with abundances of known eukaryotic predators (Table 3) are consistent with the hypothesis that BGC products may deter grazers (ciliates) that commonly feed on cyanobacteria in aquatic systems (Calbet and Landry, 2004; Gobler et al ., 2008). Of the cyanobacteria commonly found in western Lake Erie cyanoHABs, Microcystis are the most resistant to grazing by both daphnid and protozoan microorganisms (Ladds et al, 2021), consistent with findings that Microcystis is resistant to grazing due to production of secondary metabolites (Yang et al ., 2006; Davis and Gobler, 2011; Sadler and von Elert, 2014). Likewise, significant correlations between expression of BGCs and abundance of photosynthetic competitors (diatoms) is consistent with a role of secondary metabolites in allelopathic interactions (Pflugmacher, 2002; Chia et al ., 2018).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Expression ofMicrocystisbiosynthetic gene clusters in natural populations suggests temporally dynamic synthesis of novel and known secondary metabolites in western Lake Erie

Yancey

Tripathi

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Microcystis spp. produces diverse secondary metabolites within freshwater cyanoHABs around the world. In addition to the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding known compounds, Microcystis genomes harbor numerous BGCs of unknown function, indicating its poorly understood chemical repertoire. While recent studies show that Microcystis produces several metabolites in the lab and field, little work has focused on analyzing the abundance and expression of its broader suite of BGCs during cyanoHAB events. Here, we use metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches to track the relative abundance of Microcystis BGCs and their transcripts throughout the 2014 western Lake Erie cyanoHAB. Results indicate the presence of several transcriptionally active BGCs that are predicted to synthesize both known and novel secondary metabolites. The abundance and expression of these BGCs shifted throughout the bloom, with transcript abundance levels correlating with temperature, nitrate and phosphorus concentrations, and the abundance of co-occurring predatory and competitive eukaryotic microorganisms, suggesting the importance of both abiotic and biotic controls in regulating expression. This work highlights the need for understanding the chemical ecology and potential risks to human and environmental health posed by secondary metabolites that are produced but unmonitored, as well as the potential discovery of pharmaceutical compounds from cyanoHAB-derived BGCs.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Expression ofMicrocystisbiosynthetic gene clusters in natural populations suggests temporally dynamic synthesis of novel and known secondary metabolites in western Lake Erie

Yancey

Tripathi

et al. 2022

Preprint

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“…The authors found that Daphnid (a type of crustaceous plankton) grazing significantly reduced the net growth of Planktothrix in Sandusky Bay as well as Dolichospermum net growth in the Maumee Bay areas of Lake Erie, USA, both of which are bloom-forming cyanobacterial species. In contrast, the toxin-producing Microcystis species was unaffected by the plankton grazing and mainly depended on nutrient enrichment [ 9 ]. This study established that plankton grazing can effectively reduce certain species of bloom-forming cyanobacteria while nutrient limiting strategies can eliminate others such as Microcystis .…”

Section: Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

As We Drink and Breathe: Adverse Health Effects of Microcystins and Other Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in the Liver, Gut, Lungs and Beyond

Lad

Breidenbach

et al. 2022

Life

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Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in number and severity worldwide. These HABs are chiefly composed of one or more species of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, such as Microcystis and Anabaena. Numerous HAB cyanobacterial species produce toxins (e.g., microcystin and anatoxin—collectively referred to as HAB toxins) that disrupt ecosystems, impact water and air quality, and deter recreation because they are harmful to both human and animal health. Exposure to these toxins can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Acute health effects of HAB toxins have been well documented and include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, headache, fever, and skin rashes. While these adverse effects typically increase with amount, duration, and frequency of exposure, susceptibility to HAB toxins may also be increased by the presence of comorbidities. The emerging science on potential long-term or chronic effects of HAB toxins with a particular emphasis on microcystins, especially in vulnerable populations such as those with pre-existing liver or gastrointestinal disease, is summarized herein. This review suggests additional research is needed to define at-risk populations who may be helped by preventative measures. Furthermore, studies are required to develop a mechanistic understanding of chronic, low-dose exposure to HAB toxins so that appropriate preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies can be created in a targeted fashion.

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Decadal warming has intensified Microcystis‐dominated cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Erie

Gobler,

Di Cecco,

Doherty

et al. 2024

Limnol Oceanogr Letters

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Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs) are increasingly common in freshwater ecosystems and are often associated with climate change. Here, we used two independent high‐resolution surface temperature records (1995–2022) and temperature‐dependent growth rates of Microcystis to evaluate changes in these CHABs in Lake Erie. The potential mean seasonal growth rate of Microcystis and the duration of the Microcystis bloom season have both significantly increased within the western basin of Lake Erie since 1995. Trends were strongest in the far western region of Lake Erie including Maumee Bay which receives the largest point source of nutrients in the Lake and where the Microcystis bloom season has expanded by up to 1 month. In contrast, warming trends in bloom‐free portions of central and eastern Lake Erie have been more muted. We conclude that increasing water temperature is an important factor facilitating the intensification of these, and likely other, CHABs, and is thus promoting an expanding public health threat.

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Novel high throughput sequencing - fluorometric approach demonstrates Microcystis blooms across western Lake Erie are promoted by grazing resistance and nutrient enhanced growth

Cited by 8 publications

References 149 publications

Expression ofMicrocystisbiosynthetic gene clusters in natural populations suggests temporally dynamic synthesis of novel and known secondary metabolites in western Lake Erie

Expression ofMicrocystisbiosynthetic gene clusters in natural populations suggests temporally dynamic synthesis of novel and known secondary metabolites in western Lake Erie

As We Drink and Breathe: Adverse Health Effects of Microcystins and Other Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in the Liver, Gut, Lungs and Beyond

Decadal warming has intensified Microcystis‐dominated cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Erie

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