Hepatotoxin Biosynthesis and Regulation in Cyanobacteria – the Putative Involvement of Nitrogen and Iron Homeostasis Mechanisms
Hannah P. Ginn, Leanne A. Pearson and Brett A. Neilan* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: b.neilan@unsw.edu.au
Volume: Vol.36 No.2 (MAY 2009)
Short Communication
DOI:
Received: -, Revised: -, Accepted: -, Published: -
Citation: Ginn H.P., Pearson L.A. and Neilan B.A., Hepatotoxin Biosynthesis and Regulation in Cyanobacteria – the Putative Involvement of Nitrogen and Iron Homeostasis Mechanisms, Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2009; 36(2): 200-223.
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are recognised globally as a human health threat due to their proliferation into toxic blooms. Of particular concern are strains that produce the hepatotoxins, microcystin and nodularin. Research over the past decade has revealed the biochemical and molecular mechanisms behind hepatotoxin production. However, there is still much to learn regarding the regulation of these biologically active metabolites. This review provides an overview of cyanobacterial hepatotoxin research to date and additionally, elaborates on the putative involvement of nitrogen and iron homeostatic mechanisms in cyanotoxin regulation.