Genotypic composition and the relationship between genotypic composition and geographical proximity of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa in western Japan

Abstract

Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the bloom-forming harmful algae in freshwater ecosystems. We genetically characterized Microcystis populations during bloom-forming periods in various reservoirs, lakes, and ponds in Japan during 2009. Using phylogenetic analysis, we evaluated the relationship between current genotype expansions and geographic location within western Japan and intraspecific variation. Microcystis aeruginosa colonies were isolated at 15 sites and were analyzed by sequencing the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal operon, and the potential to produce toxins was assessed by PCR-based detection of the microcystin synthetase gene mcyG. In total, 171 colonies were separated into 41 genotypes. The highest genotypic composition was detected in the south basin of Lake Biwa and the lowest in Lagoon Iba. Cluster analysis indicated no obvious association between genotypic composition and geographic distance. Thus, clear genetic differentiation accompanied by geographic origins was not found in western Japan. The resulting neighbor-joining tree revealed 3 clusters, 2 of which contained strains that showed both nonamplification and amplification of the mcyG gene.