Discovering a Second Toxin Produced by the Cyanobacterium Aetokthonos Hydrillicola
Key Highlights :
The cyanobacterium Aetokthonos hydrillicola is an elusive organism that produces not one, but two highly potent toxins. In the latest issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), an international team led by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and Freie Universität Berlin has unveiled the second toxin, which had remained a mystery until now.
Even in low concentrations, this toxin can destroy cells and is similar to substances used in cancer treatment. Two years ago, the same team established that the first toxin from the cyanobacterium is the cause of a mysterious disease among bald eagles in the USA. Aetokthonos hydrillicola is notoriously difficult to cultivate and produces one of its toxins only under specific conditions.
The discovery of the second toxin was made by Professor Susan Wilde from the University of Georgia (USA) and Professor Timo Niedermeyer, who worked at MLU until July 2023 and has now joined the researchers at Freie Universität Berlin. Professor Markus Schwark from MLU was able to provide evidence of the second, previously unknown toxin and characterized the compound in detail. He stated, “We were very surprised when we worked out the structure of this toxin. It resembles toxins that have been found in marine cyanobacteria. They are even already being used in cancer-cell killing drugs.”
Based on the bacterium and the similar, known toxins, the researchers have named the newly discovered toxin “aetokthonostatin”. Scientists have suspected that this toxin exists for some time. During one of their first investigations, they discovered that an extract of the cyanobacterium is highly toxic for cells. A team from the Czech Academy of Sciences led by Dr. Jan Mareš was able to determine which genes in the cyanobacterium are behind the synthesis of the new toxic molecule.
The findings could help to develop new drugs that fight cancer. The cyanobacterium is also thriving in American lakes and rivers that feed the drinking water network. The scientists therefore recommend monitoring these waters more frequently for Aetokthonos hydrillicola and its two toxins to avoid potential risks to human health.
The discovery of the second toxin produced by Aetokthonos hydrillicola is a major breakthrough in the field of cyanobacteria research. It could help scientists develop new cancer-fighting drugs and enable them to monitor drinking water sources more closely for potential health risks.
