Iningainema tapete sp. nov. (Scytonemataceae, Cyanobacteria) from greenhouses in central Florida (USA) produces two types of nodularin with biosynthetic potential for microcystin-LR and anabaenopeptin production

Iningainema is a recently described genus of heterocytous, false-branching cyanobacteria originally described from Australia. In this work, we present Iningainema tapete sp. nov., isolated from subaerial and terrestrial environments in central Florida (USA). In comparison to the sister species, our novel cyanobacterium produces nodularin-R (NOD-R) and a methylated isoform [MeAdda(3)] NOD previously not reported within this genus; in addition to possessing the biosynthetic gene clusters for microcystin and anabaenopeptins production. Nodularin accumulation by this cyanobacterium exceeded 500 mu g g(-1) dry weight in cultures grown in nitrogen-depleted media. Such elevated toxin concentrations are alarming as the cyanobacterium was isolated from a food production greenhouse and poses a potential risk for food products and for workforce exposure. Using morphology, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, and 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) secondary structure, coupled with toxin detection and toxin gene presence, we provide evidence for the establishment of a novel toxic species of cyanobacteria, Iningainema tapete.

Automated summary

The study introduces a novel toxic species of cyanobacteria, Iningainema tapete, which produces high levels of nodularin toxins, posing potential risks to food production and workforce.