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Finding Species-Specific Extracellular Surface-Facing Proteomes in Toxic Dinoflagellates
Kenrick Kai-Yuen Chan1, Hang-Kin Kong1,2, Sirius Pui-Kam Tse1
1Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
Toxins
|September 26, 2021
Summary
Researchers identified species-specific surface proteins (SSSPs) and saxitoxin-producing-species-specific surface proteins (Stx-SSSPs) in toxic dinoflagellates using a novel surface protein extraction method. This advances understanding of dinoflagellate toxin production and species identification.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Proteomics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Previous work identified species-specific protein/peptide expression profiles (PEPs) in dinoflagellates.
- Toxic dinoflagellates produce harmful saxitoxins, posing ecological and health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a method for isolating and identifying extracellularly facing species-specific surface proteins (SSSPs) and saxitoxins-producing-species-specific surface proteins (Stx-SSSPs).
- To investigate the role of these proteins in saxitoxin production and species specificity in five toxic dinoflagellate species.
Main Methods:
- Established a surface amphiesmal protein extraction method (SAPE) using a plasma-membrane-impermeable labeling agent.
- Constructed transcriptomic databases for five selected dinoflagellate species: *Alexandrium minutum*, *A. lusitanicum*, *A. tamarense*, *Gymnodinium catenatum*, and *Karenia mikimotoi*.
- Utilized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze proteomes and identify proteins.
Main Results:
- Identified 16 extracellular-facing, functionally significant transport proteins within the membrane proteomes.
- Discovered 10 SSSPs and 6 Stx-SSSPs localized within amphiesmal compartments, not exposed to the extracellular environment.
- Confirmed the presence of extracellularly facing SSSPs (SSSPsEf) and Stx-SSSPs (Stx-SSSPsEf).
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified extracellular and intracellular species-specific surface proteins in toxic dinoflagellates.
- These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of saxitoxin production and species differentiation in dinoflagellates.
- The SAPE method offers a valuable tool for future research on dinoflagellate surface proteomes.
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