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New azaspiracids in Amphidomataceae (Dinophyceae)
Bernd Krock1, Urban Tillmann, Daniela Voß
1Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany. Bernd.Krock@awi.de
Summary
Four new azaspiracid-like toxins were discovered in marine dinoflagellates, expanding the known toxin profile of the Amphidomataceae family. These findings are crucial for understanding shellfish poisoning risks and marine toxin research.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Marine natural products chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Azaspiracids (AZAs) are lipophilic polyether toxins associated with shellfish poisoning.
- These toxins are primarily produced by the dinoflagellate Azadinium spinosum.
- Related Amphidomataceae species were not previously known to produce AZAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of azaspiracids in other Amphidomataceae species/strains.
- To identify and characterize novel compounds structurally related to azaspiracids.
- To assess the potential risk of these newly identified toxins.
Main Methods:
- Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in precursor and product ion modes.
- High-resolution mass measurements using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS).
- Analysis of fragmentation patterns for structural elucidation.
Main Results:
- Four new compounds structurally similar to azaspiracids were identified in Azadinium poporum, A. cf. poporum, and Amphidoma languida.
- These compounds share a characteristic m/z 348 fragment but lack the m/z 362 fragment found in known AZAs.
- Detected cell quotas were comparable to those of known AZAs in A. spinosum.
Conclusions:
- The Amphidomataceae family, beyond A. spinosum, can produce azaspiracid-like compounds.
- These novel toxins represent a potential risk for shellfish contamination and human health.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize these compounds and their toxicological profiles.
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