Microcystins and two new micropeptin cyanopeptides produced by unprecedented Microcystis aeruginosa blooms in North Carolina's Cape Fear River

摘要: The Cape Fear River is the largest river system in North Carolina. It heavily used as a source of drinking water for humans and livestock well irrigation crops, production industry. also serves major fishery both commercial recreational use. In recent years, possibly related to increased eutrophication river, massive blooms cyanobacteria, identified Microcystis aeruginosa have been observed. Bloom samples collected 2009 2012 were chemically analyzed determine if they contained cyanobacterial toxins known microcystins. Both found produce microcystins high yields. Microcystins are potent hepatotoxins that can be bio-accumulated food chain. Recent biological studies shown host other potentially harmful effects low level microcystin exposure. Detailed chemical analysis these led us discover an additional family peptides know micropeptins, including two new members named micropeptins 1106 1120. activities molecules not yet determined, although protease activity has documented this peptide group. These data indicate need thorough monitoring toxin levels especially during bloom events addition testing cyanopeptides present blooms.