Biomarkers for toxic algae

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward biomarkers that identify characteristics of algae. The invention is further directed toward biomarkers that serve to identify algae species and strains of algae species as well as detect the presence of algal toxins. Additional embodiments feature methods utilizing algal biomarkers and polypeptides that can serve as biomarkers.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of determining whether a strain of algae is toxic, comprising:
 obtaining a sample from a naturally occurring strain of algae;   generating a reagent from a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, and a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5; and   contacting said sample with said reagent,   wherein, when said sample expresses said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, said strain is toxic, and   when said sample expresses said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, or said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5, said strain is non-toxic.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said reagent comprises antibodies specific to said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, or said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said antibodies comprise monoclonal antibodies. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein when said strain is toxic, said antibodies specific to said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 bind with higher affinity to said sample than that of antibodies specific to said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, or said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein when said strain is non-toxic, said antibodies specific to said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, or said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 bind with higher affinity to said sample than that of antibodies specific to said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said sample comprises nucleic acid. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein said reagent comprises a nucleic acid probe or a primer specific to nucleic acid that encodes said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, or said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein when said strain is toxic, said nucleic acid probe or said primer specific to nucleic acid that encodes said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 hybridizes or amplifies said nucleic acid sample. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein when said strain is non-toxic, said nucleic acid probe or said primer specific to nucleic acid that encodes said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3, said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, or said polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 hybridizes or amplifies said nucleic acid sample. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said SEQ ID No. 1 comprises nucleic acid of SEQ ID No. 2.