Purification of an Enzyme Involved in Saxitoxin Synthesis
- Author: F.G. Plumley
- Pub. no.: RP-02-03
- Year: 2001
- Price: Single copies free
Description
In the "Algae Highlights" section of the journal the author discussed the role of Dr. Sako's purification of an enzyme in unraveling the mystery of the synthesis of a harmful algal bloom saxitoxin, the agent of paralytic shellfish poisoning (Sako et al., J. Phycol. 37:1044-1051, 2001). The identification of the enzyme opens the door for more detailed biochemical studies of the other enzymes involved in saxitoxin synthesis, and this could play a pivotal role in the identification of the genes involved. Sako purified and characterized an N-sulfotransferase from Gymnodinium catenatum. Harmful algal bloom species such as G. catenatum cause serious economic and public health–related problems worldwide. Journal of Phycology 37:926-931.
