Journal Article

Integration of the nuclease protection assay with sandwich hybridization (NPA-SH) for sensitive detection of Heterocapsa triquetra

Chang, Man, Jung, Seung Won, Hwang, Jinik, Park, Mirye, Lee, Juyun, Lee, Taek-Kyun, Park, So Yun

2018

Overview

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that function as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. Some species of microalgae undergo rapid growth and cause harmful blooms in marine ecosystems. Heterocapsa triquetra is one of the most common bloom-forming species in estuarine and coastal waters worldwide. Although this species does not produce toxins, unlike some other Heterocapsa species, the high density of its blooms can cause significant ecological damage. We developed a H. triquetra species-specific nuclease protection assay sandwich hybridization (NPA-SH) probe that targets the large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA). We tested probe specificity and sensitivity with five other dinoflagellates that also cause red tides. Our assay detected H. triquetra at a concentration of 1.5×104 cells/mL, more sensitive than required for a red-tide guidance warning by the Korea Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in 2015 (3.0×10 4 cells/mL). We also used the NPA-SH assay to monitor H. triquetra in the Tongyeong region of the southern sea area of Korea during 2014. This method could detect H. triquetra cells within 3 h. Our assay is useful for monitoring H. triquetra under field conditions.

• Publisher: The Chinese Society of Oceanography,Springer Nature B.V,South Sea Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea,Bioresources Culture Collection Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea%South Sea Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea%Research Strategy Team, Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, Seoul 05718, Republic of Korea
• Subject: Algae / Aquatic ecosystems / Aquatic microorganisms / Assaying / Blooms / Brackishwater environment / Cells / Climatology / Coastal waters / Detection / Dinoflagellates / Earth and Environmental Science / Earth Sciences / Ecological effects / Ecology / Ecosystems / Engineering Fluid Dynamics / Environmental Chemistry / Estuaries / Estuarine environments / Fisheries / Heterocapsa triquetra / Hybridization / Marine & Freshwater Sciences / Marine ecosystems / Microalgae / Microorganisms / Noxious animals / Nuclease / Nucleic acids / Oceanography / Oceans / Photosynthesis / Phytoplankton / Protected species / Protection / Red tide / Red tides / Ribonucleic acid / RNA / rRNA / Species / Specificity / Toxins