Toxic and other bioactive PEPtides in CYanobacteria - which occur when and why?

<p>Cyanobacterial toxins ("cyanotoxins") are amongst the most ubiquitously found potentially hazardous substances in surface waters used by humans. Though these substances are natural toxins, eutrophication (i.e. excessive loading with fertilising nutrients) has caused massive cyanobacterial proliferation throughout Europe. Thus, cyanotoxins now occur with unnatural frequency and concentration. Substantial knowledge gaps impede a comprehensive assessment of the health impacts of exposure to cyanobacteria. While specific oligopeptide toxins e.g. microcystins and nodularins are well studied and recognised as being causative for many animal poisonings and human illness, a substantial and increasing body of evidence points toward a decisive role of other potentially toxic cyanobacterial peptides in the causation of acute and chronic human illnesses. Objectives of PEPCY therefore are to:</p>
<p>1. develop a comprehensive characterisation of the health hazards from cyanotoxins,<br>
2. assess the likelihood of occurrence of cyanotoxin concentrations in water resources via identification of key factors regarding their environmental regulation, production and release, and the conditions for cyanotoxin occurrence<br>
3. provide tools for monitoring and surveillance, i.e. qualitative & quantitative cyanotoxin detection methods, identification of genotypes, and to provide rapid-screening toxicity bioassays<br>
4. provide a risk assessment framework developed in communication with end users in the public and environmental health sectors, both internationally (WHO and EU) and nationally, for human use of water resources (drinking and recreation)<br>
5. provide information to the general public, and background materials on the hazard assessment and risk management developed in PEPCY for the above-mentioned professional groups.<br></p>