Microcystin-RR-KLH Antigen

Microcystin-RR is a potent cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxin produced by freshwater cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), such as Microcystis aeruginosa. Structurally similar to Microcystin-LR, it contains two arginine (R) residues instead of leucine (L) and arginine (R). When livestock, poultry, or farmed fish ingest water during cyanobacterial blooms, Microcystin-RR bioaccumulates in their tissues, particularly the liver and kidneys. It acts as a specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A), causing severe hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cellular damage in animals. This allows the toxin to enter the human food chain through contaminated fish, shellfish, meat, or milk, presenting significant risks of liver injury, chronic toxicity, and potential tumor promotion in consumers.