Toxins Workgroup Poster Abstracts

Abstract

Freshwater cyanobacteria have been shown to produce several classes of unique peptide metabolites. Microcystis aeruginosa in particular has been a rich source of many interesting peptides, most notably the heptapeptide microcystins. In addition to the cyclic hepatotoxic microcystins, M. aeru- ginosa also produces microginins, a family of linear peptides composed of 3–6 amino acid residues. Previously characterized microginins show an- giotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition as well as leucine amin- opeptidase M inhibition. Consequently, these compounds are of interest as lead compounds in the discovery of novel antihypertensive agents as well as treatments for congestive heart failure.