Microcystinase
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Microcystinase is a protease that selectively degrades microcystin, an extremely potent cyanotoxin that causes marine pollution and can lead to human and animal food chain poisoning. The enzyme is naturally produced by a number of bacteria isolated in Japan and New Zealand. As of 2012, the chemical structure of this enzyme has not been scientifically determined.[1]
The enzyme degrades the cyclic peptide toxin microcystin into a linear peptide, which is 160 times less toxic.[2] Other bacteria then further degrade the linear peptide.
References
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