Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning Research Articles

Ciguatoxin in Hawai'i: Fisheries forecasting using geospatial and environmental analyses for the invasive Cephalopholis argus (Epinephelidae)

Invasive species can precede far-reaching environmental and economic consequences. In the Hawai'ian Archipelago Cephalopholis argus (family Serranidae) is an established invasive species, now recognized as the dominant local reef predator, negatively impacting the native ecosystem and local fishery. In this region, no official C. argus fishery exists, due to its association with Ciguatera seafood poisoning (CP); a severe intoxication in humans occurring after eating (primarily) fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). Pre-harvest prediction of CP is currently not possible; partly due to the ubiquitous nature of the microalgae producing CTXs and the diverse bioaccumulation pathways of the toxins. This study investigated the perceived risk of CP in two geographically discrete regions (Leeward and Windward) around the main island of Hawai'i, guided by local fishers. C. argus was collected and investigated for CTXs using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CTX testing protocol (in vitro neuroblastoma N2a-assay and LC-MS/MS). Overall, 76% of fish (87/113) exceeded the FDA guidance value for CTX1B (0.01 ng g−1 tissue equivalents); determined by the N2a-assay. Maximum CTX levels were ≅2× higher at the Leeward vs Windward location and, respectively, 95% (64/67) and 54% (25/46) of fish were positive for CTX-like activity. Fisher persons and environmental understandings, regarding the existence of a geographic predictor (Leeward vs Windward) for harvest, were found to be (mostly) accurate as CTXs were detected in both locations and the local designation of C. argus as a risk for CP was confirmed. This study provides additional evidence that supports the previous conclusions that this species is a severe CP risk in the coastal food web of Hawai'i, and that ocean exposure (wave power) may be a prominent factor influencing the CTX content in fish within a hyperendemic region for CP.

The ladder-shaped polyether toxin gambierol anchors the gating machinery of Kv3.1 channels in the resting state

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) channels are key determinants of cellular excitability and serve as targets of neurotoxins. Most marine ciguatoxins potentiate Nav channels and cause ciguatera seafood poisoning. Several ciguatoxins have also been shown to affect Kv channels, and we showed previously that the ladder-shaped polyether toxin gambierol is a potent Kv channel inhibitor. Most likely, gambierol acts via a lipid-exposed binding site, located outside the K+ permeation pathway. However, the mechanism by which gambierol inhibits Kv channels remained unknown. Using gating and ionic current analysis to investigate how gambierol affected S6 gate opening and voltage-sensing domain (VSD) movements, we show that the resting (closed) channel conformation forms the high-affinity state for gambierol. The voltage dependence of activation was shifted by >120 mV in the depolarizing direction, precluding channel opening in the physiological voltage range. The (early) transitions between the resting and the open state were monitored with gating currents, and provided evidence that strong depolarizations allowed VSD movement up to the activated-not-open state. However, for transition to the fully open (ion-conducting) state, the toxin first needed to dissociate. These dissociation kinetics were markedly accelerated in the activated-not-open state, presumably because this state displayed a much lower affinity for gambierol. A tetrameric concatemer with only one high-affinity binding site still displayed high toxin sensitivity, suggesting that interaction with a single binding site prevented the concerted step required for channel opening. We propose a mechanism whereby gambierol anchors the channel’s gating machinery in the resting state, requiring more work from the VSD to open the channel. This mechanism is quite different from the action of classical gating modifier peptides (e.g., hanatoxin). Therefore, polyether toxins open new opportunities in structure–function relationship studies in Kv channels and in drug design to modulate channel function.

Production of monoclonal antibodies for sandwich immunoassay detection of Pacific ciguatoxins

Ciguatoxins are the major causative toxins of ciguatera seafood poisoning. Limited availability of ciguatoxins has hampered the development of a reliable and specific immunoassay for detecting these toxins in contaminated fish. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific against both ends of Pacific ciguatoxins CTX3C and 51-hydroxyCTX3C were prepared by immunization of mice with the protein conjugates of rationally designed synthetic haptens in place of the natural toxin. Haptenic groups that possess a surface area larger than 400 Å 2 were required to produce mAbs that can bind strongly to CTX3C or 51-hydroxyCTX3C. A direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using these mAbs was established to detect CTX3C and 51-hydroxyCTX3C at the ppb level with no cross-reactivity against the other marine toxins, including brevetoxin A, brevetoxin B, okadaic acid, or maitotoxin.

Bioorganic Studies Utilizing Rationally Designed Synthetic Molecules: Absolute Configuration of Ciguatoxin and Development of Immunoassay Systems

Abstract Ciguatoxins are the major causative toxins in ciguatera seafood poisoning. The limited availability of ciguatoxins has precluded structural elucidation and development of a reliable and specific immunoassay for detecting the toxins in contaminated fish. To seek a solution for the longstanding problem of ciguatera, we addressed the synthetic challenge by utilizing rationally designed model compounds of ciguatoxins. The C2 configuration and entire absolute configuration of ciguatoxin were successfully elucidated with minutest amounts of natural toxins, using an approach which combined partial structure synthesis, microscale chemical transformations, and the CD exciton chirality method. On the basis of the absolute configuration, the partial structures of ciguatoxins were designed and synthesized as haptens for the preparation of anti-ciguatoxin antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against both ends of ciguatoxin CTX3C were prepared by immunization of mice with protein conjugates of synthetic haptens of the ABCDE-ring and the IJKLM-ring, in place of the natural toxin. Haptenic groups with surface areas larger than 400 Å2 were required to produce mAbs, which could bind strongly to CTX3C itself. A direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using these mAbs was shown to detect CTX3C at the ppb level with no cross-reactivity against other related marine toxins, including brevetoxin A, brevetoxin B, okadaic acid, or maitotoxin. In order to make the sandwich immunoassay protocol a general method for detecting other ciguatoxins congeners, the preparation of mAbs for the left-end of ciguatoxin was investigated. Expeditious synthesis of the left end of ciguatoxin with installation of the 3-butene-1,2-diol side-chain of the A-ring as well as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis of the antibody–hapten interactions are also described.

Total Synthesis of Ciguatoxin CTX3C — A Venture into the Problems of Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.

Production of monoclonal antibodies for sandwich immunoassay detection of ciguatoxin 51-hydroxyCTX3C

Every year, more than 50,000 people in subtropical and tropical regions suffer from ciguatera seafood poisoning. The extremely low level of the causative neurotoxins (ciguatoxins) in fish has hampered the preparation of antibodies for detection of the toxins. In this study, we produced a monoclonal antibody (8H4) against the right end of ciguatoxin CTX1B ( 1) and 51-hydroxyCTX3C ( 3) by immunizing mice with the keyhole limpet hemocyanin-conjugate of the synthetic HIJKLM ring fragment ( 10). We used 8H4 and another previously reported monoclonal antibody (10C9) that recognizes the left end of 3 to develop a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect 3. The assay could detect 3 down to the ppb level and lacked cross-reactivity with other related marine toxins, including brevetoxin A, brevetoxin B, okadaic acid, and maitotoxin.

Total synthesis of ciguatoxin CTX3C: a venture into the problems of ciguatera seafood poisoning

After a twelve-year struggle, the total synthesis of ciguatoxin CTX3C has been achieved. Annually, more than 20,000 people worldwide suffer from ciguatera seafood poisoning. The extremely small amounts of the causative neurotoxin, ciguatoxin, in fish hampered the isolation, structural elucidation, detailed biological study, and preparation of anti-ciguatoxin antibodies for detecting these toxins. The large (3 nanometers long) and complicated molecular structure of ciguatoxins hindered chemists from completing a total synthesis. The chemical synthesis of CTX3C, determination of the absolute configuration, and synthesis-based preparation of the monoclonal antibodies as well as the effect of synthetic CTX3C on voltage-sensitive sodium channels are outlined.

Phage-display selection of antibodies to the left end of CTX3C using synthetic fragments

Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are a family of toxins that contaminate a variety of fish and cause ciguatera seafood poisoning. The limited availability of CTXs from natural sources has hampered preparation of antibodies and, thus, the development of immunoassays for these toxins. In the current studies, we utilized synthetic fragments as haptens to prepare antibodies against CTX3C, a congener of CTXs, thereby avoiding the problem of its scarcity. Synthetic ABC-ring fragment (ABC) of CTX3C was conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and immunized on mice. Phage-displayed antibodies were first screened based on affinity to a soluble biotin-linked ABC-ring fragment that was captured on streptavidin-linked magnetic beads. The beads were then eluted with the ABCD-ring fragment (ABCD), and recovered phages were amplified. This elution with a synthetic fragment allowed the preparation of antibodies to ABCD as well as to ABC. Three antibodies with affinities of K d∼10 −5 M for ABCD were selected and prepared as soluble recombinant Fabs (rFabs). One rFab, 1C49, bound to CTX3C itself, although the binding affinity for CTX3C was weaker than for ABCD.

Total Synthesis of Ciguatoxin CTX3C, a Causative Toxin of Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Phage-display selection of antibodies to the left end of CTX3C using synthetic fragments

Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are a family of toxins that contaminate a variety of fish and cause ciguatera seafood poisoning. The limited availability of CTXs from natural sources has hampered preparation of antibodies and, thus, the development of immunoassays for these toxins. In the current studies, we utilized synthetic fragments as haptens to prepare antibodies against CTX3C, a congener of CTXs, thereby avoiding the problem of its scarcity. Synthetic ABC-ring fragment (ABC) of CTX3C was conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and immunized on mice. Phage-displayed antibodies were first screened based on affinity to a soluble biotin-linked ABC-ring fragment that was captured on streptavidin-linked magnetic beads. The beads were then eluted with the ABCD-ring fragment (ABCD), and recovered phages were amplified. This elution with a synthetic fragment allowed the preparation of antibodies to ABCD as well as to ABC. Three antibodies with affinities of K d ∼10 −5 M for ABCD were selected and prepared as soluble recombinant Fabs (rFabs). One rFab, 1C49, bound to CTX3C itself, although the binding affinity for CTX3C was weaker than for ABCD.

Total Synthesis of Ciguatoxin CTX3C, a Causative Toxin of Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning

More than 20,000 people suffer annually from ciguatera seafood poisoning in subtropical and tropical regions. The extremely low content of the causative neurotoxins, designated as ciguatoxins in fish has hampered the isolation, detailed biological studies, and preparation of anti-ciguatoxin antibodies for detecting these toxins. Furthermore, the large (3 nanometer long) and complicated molecular structure of ciguatoxins has impeded chemists from completing their total synthesis. In 2001, our highly convergent strategic approach enabled the total synthesis of ciguatoxin CTX3C through assembling the four structural fragments. In this account, we describe the updated version of the total synthesis, where the yields and practicality are greatly improved. The high efficiency of the present synthesis ensures a supply of ciguatoxins for biomedical applications.

Synthesis-based approach toward direct sandwich immunoassay for ciguatoxin CTX3C.

Ciguatoxins are the major causative toxins of ciguatera seafood poisoning. Limited availability of ciguatoxins has hampered the development of a reliable and specific immunoassay for detecting these toxins in contaminated fish. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific against both ends of ciguatoxin CTX3C were prepared by immunization of mice with protein conjugates of rationally designed synthetic haptens, 3 and 4, in place of the natural toxin. Haptenic groups that possess a surface area larger than 400 A(2) were required to produce mAbs that can bind strongly to CTX3C itself. A direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using these mAbs was established to detect CTX3C at the ppb level with no cross-reactivity against other related marine toxins, including brevetoxin A, brevetoxin B, okadaic acid, or maitotoxin.

Practical total synthesis of ciguatoxin CTX3C by improved protective group strategy.

[structure: see text] Ciguatoxin CTX3C is a representative congener of ciguatoxins, which are known to be the principal causative agents of ciguatera seafood poisoning. The structure of CTX3C spans more than 3 nm and is characterized by 13 ether rings. In this paper, an improved total synthesis of CTX3C is reported. Alteration of the protective group from benzyl ether to 2-naphthylmethyl (NAP) ether drastically increases the yield for final global deprotection and has provided a sufficient amount of sample for further biological studies.

Convergent synthesis of the ABCDE ring system of ciguatoxin CTX3C

Ciguatoxin CTX3C is a representative congener of the ciguatoxins, which are known to be the principal causative-agents of ciguatera seafood poisoning. The structure of CTX3C spans over three nanometers and is characterized by thirteen ether rings. To attain a practical construction of this molecule, efficient supplies of the structural fragments are crucial. Herein we report the convergent synthesis of the ABCDE ring fragment featuring (i) alkylative coupling of the AB ring and E ring, and (ii) ring-closing olefin metathesis.