UV-B-induced synthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids in three strains of Nodularia (cyanobacteria)

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2003 Oct 15;71(1-3):51-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2003.07.003.

Abstract

Three filamentous and heterocystous cyanobacterial strains of Nodularia, Nodularia baltica, Nodularia harveyana and Nodularia spumigena, have been tested for the presence and induction of ultraviolet-absorbing/screening mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) by simulated solar radiation in combination with 395 (receiving photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) only), 320 (receiving PAR + UV-A) and 295 (receiving PAR + UV-A + UV-B) nm cut-off filters. Absorption spectroscopic analyses of the methanolic extracts of samples revealed a typical MAA peak at 334 nm in all three cyanobacteria. Specific contents of MAAs had a pronounced induction in the samples covered with 295 nm cut-off filters after 72 h of irradiation. In comparison, there was little induction of MAAs in the samples covered by 395 and 320 nm cut-off filters. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) studies revealed the presence of two types of MAAs in all three cyanobacteria, which were identified as shinorine and porphyra-334, both absorbing maximally at 334 nm. The occurrence of porphyra-334 is rare in cyanobacteria. Specific content of both shinorine and porphyra-334 were induced remarkably only in the samples covered with 295 nm cut-off filters. The results indicate that in comparison to UV-A and PAR, UV-B is more effective in eliciting MAAs induction in the studied cyanobacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemical synthesis*
  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Cyanobacteria / chemistry
  • Cyanobacteria / radiation effects*
  • Species Specificity
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Amino Acids