Effects of mitomycin C and colchicine on toxin production and cell cycle regulation in the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense

Yuko Cho, Motoo Ogawa, Mayumi Hirota, Yasukatsu Oshima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) production and cell proliferation in the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense were investigated under the influence of two metabolic inhibitors (mitomycin C and colchicine) that have different mechanisms of action. Intracellular PST levels in cells treated with 2μM mitomycin C increased gradually, reaching a maximum of 176fmol/cell (a 6-fold increase). High concentrations of colchicine prolonged G1 phase in A. tamarense cells, even though colchicine arrests several other eukaryotic cell types in M phase. The cells in prolonged G1 phase under the influence of colchicine were apparently unable to produce PST. Cell proliferation and toxin production recovered after removal of colchicine; in contrast, the effect of mitomycin C was irreversible. While the timing of toxin production within the cell cycle was not conclusively determined, A. tamarense cells in S phase were able to produce PST.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)235-244
Number of pages10
JournalHarmful Algae
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Mar

Keywords

  • Alexandrium tamarense
  • Colchicine
  • Mitomycin C
  • Paralytic shellfish toxins

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of mitomycin C and colchicine on toxin production and cell cycle regulation in the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this