Work

Metabolomic analysis of secondary metabolites from Caribbean crab gills using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography - time-of-flight mass spectrometry—New inputs for a better understanding of symbiotic associations in crustaceans

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Secondary metabolites are bioactive compounds produced by living organisms that can be indicative of symbiotic relationships in nature. Prior studies have demonstrated putative symbiotic interactions between decapod crabs and epibiotic bacteria in their environment. This study presents a sample preparation protocol for metabolomics analysis of lyophilized crab gill samples from four brachyuran crab species inhabiting different regions of Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles. Sample extracts were prepared using a two-step methoximation-trimethylsilylation derivatization protocol and analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). Three main secondary metabolites identified in the crab gills and discussed herein include cycloserine, trigonelline, and amphetamine. Cycloserine is a bacterial-produced metabolite with antibiotic properties, and along with the antimicrobial activity of trigonelline, these compounds may influence the microbial community of the crabs and/or protect them from bacterial infection in the frame of the symbiotic relationships. Amphetamine is a psychostimulant that has been previously detected in crab muscles, and has been found in crab gills in this study. Cycloserine was present in the gills of Ucides cordatus and Percnon gibbesi, trigonelline was present in all crabs except Ucides cordatus, and amphetamine was detected in all crab gill samples. Further research into these secondary metabolites is facilitated with the sample preparation protocol and can elucidate the various symbiotic interactions of crabs and their microbiome; potentially for other crustaceans as well.

Source: Journal of Chromatography Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcoa.2022.100069

Authors: Kieran Tarazona Carrillo, Naëma S. Béziat, Gerardo Cebrián-Torrejón, Olivier Gros, A. Paulina de la Mata, James J. Harynuk