Diagnostic Biomarkers of Red Tide (Karenia brevis) Exposure in the Florida Manatee and Sea Turtles by Plasma Proteomics as a Model for Human Exposure

ABSTRACT In the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), recurring, almost annual blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (known as the Florida red tide) can last for weeks, months, or years, resulting in marine wildlife mortality events and mass marine wildlife stranding. The negative effects of the Florida red tide have been linked to a suite of neurotoxins produced by K. brevis collectively known as the brevetoxins. The brevetoxins cause neurological and respiratory symptoms that can range from mild to severe depending on the dose. Members of the public are exposed to brevetoxins during red tide events through inhalation of aerosolized toxins or consumption of contaminated shellfish. A positive correlation between red tide events and severity and detrimental public health outcomes has been noted. However, there are no definitive diagnostic criteria for exposure to the Florida red tide. The Florida manatee and sea turtles are among the wildlife adversely affected by the Florida red tide. The goal of the proposed work is to identify, quantify, and characterize alterations in protein abundance in the plasma of manatees and sea turtles that have been naturally exposed to red tide when compared to healthy animals as a model for human exposure. This shall be accomplished through bottom-up mass spectrometry (MS)‐based quantitative proteomic analysis leveraging manatee and sea turtle plasma previously collected during red tide rescue or during routine health assessments. Successful completion of this work will lead to diagnostic biomarkers for Florida red tide intoxication in humans.