Expression of Microcystis Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Natural Populations Suggests Temporally Dynamic Synthesis of Novel and Known Secondary Metabolites in Western Lake Erie

populations and assess patterns of transcription in western Lake Erie cyanoHABs. Our results reveal the presence of both known gene clusters that encode toxic secondary metabolites as well as novel ones that may encode cryptic compounds. This research highlights the need for targeted studies of the secondary metabolite diversity in western Lake Erie, a vital freshwater source to the United States and Canada.