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Published on: July 30, 2020
Tetrodotoxins in the flatworm Planocera multitentaculata
Rei Suo1, Makoto Tanaka1, Hikaru Oyama1
1Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
This study identified tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogues in the marine flatworm Planocera multitentaculata for the first time. These findings expand our understanding of TTX diversity in marine organisms.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Marine Toxicology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- The marine polyclad flatworm Planocera multitentaculata is recognized for its high tetrodotoxin (TTX) content.
- Previous research has not investigated the presence of TTX analogues within this species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identity of tetrodotoxin (TTX) analogues in Planocera multitentaculata.
- To expand the understanding of TTX compound diversity in marine invertebrates.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LC/MS) was employed for precise detection and identification.
- Analysis was performed on tissue samples from three adult flatworms and their associated egg plates.
Main Results:
- Tetrodotoxin (TTX) was confirmed in the specimens.
- Several TTX analogues, including 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, monodeoxyTTXs, dideoxyTTXs, and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol, were identified for the first time in this species.
- The presence of these analogues was confirmed in both adult flatworms and their egg masses.
Conclusions:
- Planocera multitentaculata harbors a diverse array of tetrodotoxin (TTX) analogues, not just TTX itself.
- The identification of TTX analogues in egg plates suggests potential vertical transmission or synthesis within the species.
- This discovery contributes significantly to the field of marine natural products and toxin research.
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