Uses
Microcystin YR from
Microcystis aeruginosa has been used to assess cytotoxicity in neutrophils using DNA fragmentation and cell viability assays and as a reference standard in the quantification of microcystin from water samples.
General Description
Microcystin is a potent cyanotoxin produced by the bloom of
Microcystis aeruginosa. It is harmful to aquatic animals. It is a heptapeptide and exists as multiple variant forms. pCO
2 and nitrogen levels modulate the toxic variants levels. It elicits damage to the liver and other organs.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Microcystin YR inhibits protein phosphatase type 2A and protein phosphatase type 1. Toxicity to undifferentiated cells was seen by inhibition of neutral red uptake, >80% at 100 μM, after 48 h.
