Okadaic acid
Okadaic Acid is a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A), making it a valuable tool for studying the roles of PP1 and PP2A in cellular processes. It is a polyether compound produced by several species of dinoflagellates and has been the cause of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP).
History[edit | edit source]
Okadaic acid was first isolated in 1981 from the black sponge Halichondria okadai by two Japanese researchers, Takeshi Yasumoto and Masayasu Murata. The compound was named after the sponge from which it was derived.
Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Okadaic acid is a large, complex molecule with a molecular weight of 805.5 g/mol. It is composed of a 38-membered lactone ring with seven hydroxyl groups and two side chains. The molecule is highly polar due to the presence of these hydroxyl groups.
Biological Effects[edit | edit source]
Okadaic acid exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting the activity of protein phosphatases, particularly PP1 and PP2A. This inhibition disrupts cellular processes, leading to cell death. In humans, ingestion of okadaic acid can cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, a condition characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning[edit | edit source]
Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is a type of shellfish poisoning caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated with okadaic acid. The condition is not life-threatening but can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. DSP has been reported in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Detection and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Methods for detecting okadaic acid in shellfish include mouse bioassay, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Treatment for DSP is primarily supportive, with hydration and symptom management.
See Also[edit | edit source]
This toxin-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
This marine-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD