Recent Developments in Metabolism of Algal Toxins in Animals

Dear Colleagues,

The contamination of the marine environment by toxic algae and algal toxins is an event that is becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The occurrence of toxic microalgae, in turn, is responsible for serious incidents of human intoxication and other health problems derived from chronic exposure to algal toxins. Human exposure is mainly associated with the consumption of contaminated seafood and with dermal exposure. In order to better understand the effects that algal toxins cause on humans and on the environment and marine species, it is crucial to know in detail the biological processes underlying the entry and accumulation of these molecules in organisms, to understand the trophic transfer and the main routes of exposure and vectors of algal toxins to humans. Defense mechanisms linked to the metabolism of xenobiotics is thought to play a major role in the levels that toxins are accumulated in the organisms and their toxic effects. Despite its importance for the evaluation of the toxic effects, little progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular processes involved in the biotransformation and elimination of algal toxins, and their role in protecting the organisms. This special issue is dedicated to the recent research performed in this field. All research works related to the elucidation of the metabolism of algal toxins (in animals, plants, fungi and bacteria)  are welcomed. We encourage works that tackle the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the chemical transformation and elimination of algal toxins, e.g. identification of genes, proteins and pathways involved in toxin transformation. Furthermore, research on all types of algal toxins and investigations focused on clarifying the toxicity of chemical transformation products derived from algal toxins are also embraced in this special issue.

Dr. Alexandre Campos
Dr. Pedro Reis Costa
Guest Editors

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• marine toxins
• bioacumulation
• chemical conversion
• detoxification mechanisms
• toxin gene clusters