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Soto TB, Tenconi PE, Buzzi ED, Dionisio L, Mateos MV, Rotstein NP, Spitzmaul G, Politi LE, German OL. Activation of retinoid X receptors protects retinal neurons and pigment epithelial cells from BMAA-induced death. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119816. [PMID: 39159686 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to the non-protein amino acid cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), released by cyanobacteria found in many water reservoirs has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. We previously demonstrated that BMAA induced cell death in both retina photoreceptors (PHRs) and amacrine neurons by triggering different molecular pathways, as activation of NMDA receptors and formation of carbamate-adducts was only observed in amacrine cell death. We established that activation of Retinoid X Receptors (RXR) protects retinal cells, including retina pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. We now investigated the mechanisms underlying BMAA toxicity in these cells and those involved in RXR protection. BMAA addition to rat retinal neurons during early development in vitro increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and polyADP ribose polymers (PAR) formation, while pre-treatment with serine (Ser) before BMAA addition decreased PHR death. Notably, RXR activation with the HX630 agonist prevented BMAA-induced death in both neuronal types, reducing ROS generation, preserving mitochondrial potential, and decreasing TUNEL-positive cells and PAR formation. This suggests that BMAA promoted PHR death by substituting Ser in polypeptide chains and by inducing polyADP ribose polymerase activation. BMAA induced cell death in ARPE-19 cells, a human epithelial cell line; RXR activation prevented this death, decreasing ROS generation and caspase 3/7 activity. These findings suggest that RXR activation prevents BMAA harmful effects on retinal neurons and RPE cells, supporting this activation as a broad-spectrum strategy for treating retina degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara B Soto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Paula E Tenconi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Edgardo D Buzzi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Dionisio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Melina V Mateos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Spitzmaul
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Luis E Politi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Olga L German
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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2
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Pereira-Santos AR, Candeias E, Magalhães JD, Empadinhas N, Esteves AR, Cardoso SM. Neuronal control of microglia through the mitochondria. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167167. [PMID: 38626829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The microbial toxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), which is derived from cyanobacteria, targets neuronal mitochondria, leading to the activation of neuronal innate immunity and, consequently, neurodegeneration. Although known to modulate brain inflammation, the precise role of aberrant microglial function in the neurodegenerative process remains elusive. To determine if neurons signal microglial cells, we treated primary cortical neurons with BMAA and then co-cultured them with the N9 microglial cell line. Our observations indicate that microglial cell activation requires initial neuronal priming. Contrary to what was observed in cortical neurons, BMAA was not able to activate inflammatory pathways in N9 cells. We observed that microglial activation is dependent on mitochondrial dysfunction signaled by BMAA-treated neurons. In this scenario, the NLRP3 pro-inflammatory pathway is activated due to mitochondrial impairment in N9 cells. These results demonstrate that microglia activation in the presence of BMAA is dependent on neuronal signaling. This study provides evidence that neurons may trigger microglia activation and subsequent neuroinflammation. In addition, we demonstrate that microglial activation may have a protective role in ameliorating neuronal innate immune activation, at least in the initial phase. This work challenges the current understanding of neuroinflammation by assigning the primary role to neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Pereira-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Candeias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J D Magalhães
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Raquel Esteves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Cardoso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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3
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Santiago-Maldonado X, Rodríguez-Martínez JA, López L, Cunci L, Bayro M, Nicolau E. Selection, characterization, and biosensing applications of DNA aptamers targeting cyanotoxin BMAA. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13787-13800. [PMID: 38681844 PMCID: PMC11046380 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02384f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Scientists have established a connection between environmental exposure to toxins like β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) and a heightened risk of neurodegenerative disorders. BMAA is a byproduct from certain strains of cyanobacteria that are present in ecosystems worldwide and is renowned for its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in seafood. The sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility of the current analytical techniques are insufficient to support efforts regarding food safety and environment monitoring adequately. This work outlines the in vitro selection of BMAA-specific DNA aptamers via the systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment (SELEX). Screening and characterization of the full-length aptamers was achieved using the SYBR Green (SG) fluorescence displacement assay. Aptamers BMAA_159 and BMAA_165 showed the highest binding affinities, with dissociation constants (Kd) of 2.2 ± 0.1 μM and 0.32 ± 0.02 μM, respectively. After truncation, the binding affinity was confirmed using a BMAA-conjugated fluorescence assay. The Kd values for BMAA_159_min and BMAA_165_min were 6 ± 1 μM and 0.63 ± 0.02 μM, respectively. Alterations in the amino proton region studied using solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) provided further evidence of aptamer-target binding. Additionally, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed that BMAA_165_min forms hybrid G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Finally, BMAA_165_min was used in the development of an electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) sensor that accomplished sensitive and selective detection of BMAA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.13 ± 0.02 pM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xaimara Santiago-Maldonado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico San Juan PR 00925-2437 USA +1-787-522-2150 +1-787-292-9820
| | | | - Luis López
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico San Juan PR 00925-2437 USA +1-787-522-2150 +1-787-292-9820
| | - Lisandro Cunci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico San Juan PR 00925-2437 USA +1-787-522-2150 +1-787-292-9820
| | - Marvin Bayro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico San Juan PR 00925-2437 USA +1-787-522-2150 +1-787-292-9820
- Molecular Science Research Center, University of Puerto Rico San Juan 00931-3346 USA
| | - Eduardo Nicolau
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico San Juan PR 00925-2437 USA +1-787-522-2150 +1-787-292-9820
- Molecular Science Research Center, University of Puerto Rico San Juan 00931-3346 USA
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Sini P, Galleri G, Ciampelli C, Galioto M, Padedda BM, Lugliè A, Iaccarino C, Crosio C. Evaluation of cyanotoxin L-BMAA effect on α-synuclein and TDP43 proteinopathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360068. [PMID: 38596666 PMCID: PMC11002123 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors is considered the cause of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Among the environmental factors, toxins produced by cyanobacteria have received much attention due to the significant increase in cyanobacteria growth worldwide. In particular, L-BMAA toxin, produced by diverse taxa of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms, has been extensively correlated to neurodegeneration. The molecular mechanism of L-BMAA neurotoxicity is still cryptic and far from being understood. In this research article, we have investigated the molecular pathways altered by L-BMAA exposure in cell systems, highlighting a significant increase in specific stress pathways and an impairment in autophagic processes. Interestingly, these changes lead to the accumulation of both α-synuclein and TDP43, which are correlated with PD and ALS proteinopathy, respectively. Finally, we were able to demonstrate specific alterations of TDP43 WT or pathological mutants with respect to protein accumulation, aggregation and cytoplasmic translocation, some of the typical features of both sporadic and familial ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Galleri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cristina Ciampelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Manuela Galioto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Bachisio Mario Padedda
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Lugliè
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ciro Iaccarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crosio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Lee A, Henderson R, Aylward J, McCombe P. Gut Symptoms, Gut Dysbiosis and Gut-Derived Toxins in ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1871. [PMID: 38339149 PMCID: PMC10856138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, there have been emerging suggestions of a possible role for the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota have a range of functions and could influence ALS by several mechanisms. Here, we review the possible role of gut-derived neurotoxins/excitotoxins. We review the evidence of gut symptoms and gut dysbiosis in ALS. We then examine a possible role for gut-derived toxins by reviewing the evidence that these molecules are toxic to the central nervous system, evidence of their association with ALS, the existence of biochemical pathways by which these molecules could be produced by the gut microbiota and existence of mechanisms of transport from the gut to the blood and brain. We then present evidence that there are increased levels of these toxins in the blood of some ALS patients. We review the effects of therapies that attempt to alter the gut microbiota or ameliorate the biochemical effects of gut toxins. It is possible that gut dysbiosis contributes to elevated levels of toxins and that these could potentially contribute to ALS pathogenesis, but more work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aven Lee
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
| | - Robert Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
| | - James Aylward
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
| | - Pamela McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
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6
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Weeks RD, Banack SA, Howell S, Thunga P, Metcalf JS, Green AJ, Cox PA, Planchart A. The Effects of Long-term, Low-dose β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) Exposures in Adult SOD G93R Transgenic Zebrafish. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:481-495. [PMID: 37552461 PMCID: PMC11216512 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid produced by cyanobacteria, which has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is postulated that chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to formation of protein aggregates, oxidative stress, and/or excitotoxicity, which are mechanisms involved in the etiology of ALS. While specific genetic mutations are identified in some instances of ALS, it is likely that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to the neurotoxin BMAA, contributes to disease. We used a transgenic zebrafish with an ALS-associated mutation, compared with wild-type fish to explore the potential neurotoxic effects of BMAA through chronic long-term exposures. While our results revealed low concentrations of BMAA in the brains of exposed fish, we found no evidence of decreased swim performance or behavioral differences that might be reflective of neurodegenerative disease. Further research is needed to determine if chronic BMAA exposure in adult zebrafish is a suitable model to study neurodegenerative disease initiation and/or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Weeks
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Program in Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Sandra A. Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Shaunacee Howell
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Adrian J. Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Program in Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Paul A. Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Program in Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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7
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Roy A, Choudhury S, Banerjee R, Basu P, Mondal B, Sarkar S, Anand SS, Dey S, Kumar H. Dietary and Environmental Risk Factors in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease: A Semi-Quantitative Pilot Study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:174-181. [PMID: 37179670 PMCID: PMC10171008 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_823_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Environmental influence and dietary variations are well-known risk factors for various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests that diet in early-life and living environment might influence the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in later phase of life. There have been limited epidemiologic studies on this aspect especially in India. In this hospital-based case-control study, we intended to identify dietary and environmental risk factors of PD. Methods Patients with PD (n = 105), Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 53) and healthy individuals (n = 81) were recruited. Dietary intake and environmental exposures were assessed using a validated Food-Frequency and Environmental Hazard Questionnaire. Their demographic details and living environment were also recorded using the same questionnaire. Results Pre-morbid consumption of carbohydrate and fat was significantly higher whereas dietary fiber and fruit content was significantly lesser in PD as compared to AD and healthy age-matched controls. Meat and milk intake was the highest among all the food groups in PD patients. Rural living and their habitation near water bodies were significantly more frequent in PD patients. Conclusion We found that past intake of carbohydrate, fat, milk, and meat are associated with increased risk of PD. On the other hand, rural living and habitat near water bodies might be associated with incidence and severity of PD. Hence, preventive strategies related to dietary and environmental modulators in PD might be clinically useful in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Roy
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Supriyo Choudhury
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Rebecca Banerjee
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Purba Basu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Banashree Mondal
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Swagata Sarkar
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sidharth Shankar Anand
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sanjit Dey
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- UGC Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and UGC Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area (CPEPA), University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Hrishikesh Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Arnold FJ, Burns M, Chiu Y, Carvalho J, Nguyen AD, Ralph PC, La Spada AR, Bennett CL. Chronic BMAA exposure combined with TDP-43 mutation elicits motor neuron dysfunction phenotypes in mice. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 126:44-57. [PMID: 36931113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an average age-of-onset of ∼60 years and is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Mouse models based upon single gene mutations do not recapitulate all ALS pathological features. Environmental insults may also contribute to ALS, and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is an environmental toxin linked with an increased risk of developing ALS. BMAA, along with cycasin, are hypothesized to be the cause of the Guam-ALS epicenter of the 1950s. We developed a multihit model based on low expression of a dominant familial ALS TDP-43 mutation (Q331K) and chronic low-dose BMAA exposure. Our two-hit mouse model displayed a motor phenotype absent from either lesion alone. By LC/MS analysis, free BMAA was confirmed at trace levels in brain, and were as high as 405 ng/mL (free) and 208 ng/mL (protein-bound) in liver. Elevated BMAA levels in liver were associated with dysregulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Our data represent initial steps towards an ALS mouse model resulting from combined genetic and environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Arnold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Burns
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Y Chiu
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J Carvalho
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A D Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - P C Ralph
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A R La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - C L Bennett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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9
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Emmons RV, Karaj E, Cudjoe E, Bell DS, Tillekeratne LV, Gionfriddo E. Leveraging multi-mode microextraction and liquid chromatography stationary phases for quantitative analysis of neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine and other non-proteinogenic amino acids. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1685:463636. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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10
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Koksharova OA, Safronova NA. Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acid β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA): Bioactivity and Ecological Significance. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:539. [PMID: 36006201 PMCID: PMC9414260 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research interest in a non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) arose due to the discovery of a connection between exposure to BMAA and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous reviews on this topic either considered BMAA as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases or focused on the problems of detecting BMAA in various environmental samples. Our review is devoted to a wide range of fundamental biological problems related to BMAA, including the molecular mechanisms of biological activity of BMAA and the complex relationships between producers of BMAA and the environment in various natural ecosystems. At the beginning, we briefly recall the most important facts about the producers of BMAA (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and bacteria), the pathways of BMAA biosynthesis, and reliable methods of identification of BMAA. The main distinctive feature of our review is a detailed examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of BMAA to living cells. A brand new aspect, not previously discussed in any reviews, is the effect of BMAA on cyanobacterial cells. These recent studies, conducted using transcriptomics and proteomics, revealed potent regulatory effects of BMAA on the basic metabolism and cell development of these ancient photoautotrophic prokaryotes. Exogenous BMAA strongly influences cell differentiation and primary metabolic processes in cyanobacteria, such as nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and various biosynthetic processes involving 2-oxoglutarate and glutamate. Cyanobacteria were found to be more sensitive to exogenous BMAA under nitrogen-limited growth conditions. We suggest a hypothesis that this toxic diaminoacid can be used by phytoplankton organisms as a possible allelopathic tool for controlling the population of cyanobacterial cells during a period of intense competition for nitrogen and other resources in various ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A. Koksharova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Square, 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nina A. Safronova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Martin RM, Bereman MS, Marsden KC. The Cyanotoxin 2,4-DAB Reduces Viability and Causes Behavioral and Molecular Dysfunctions Associated with Neurodegeneration in Larval Zebrafish. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:347-364. [PMID: 35029765 PMCID: PMC9035002 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to cyanotoxins has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. While the cyanotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has received much attention, cyanobacteria produce many cyanotoxic compounds, several of which have been detected in nature alongside BMAA, including 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). Thus, the question of whether 2,4-DAB and AEG also cause neurotoxic effects in vivo is of great interest, as is the question of whether they interact to enhance toxicity. Here, we evaluate the toxic and neurotoxic effects of these cyanotoxins alone or in combination by measuring zebrafish larval viability and behavior after exposure. 2,4-DAB was the most potent cyanotoxin as it decreased larval viability by approximately 50% at 6 days post fertilization, while BMAA and AEG decreased viability by just 16% and 8%, respectively. Although we only observed minor neurotoxic effects on spontaneous locomotion, BMAA and AEG enhanced acoustic startle sensitivity, and they interacted in an additive manner to exert their effects. 2,4-DAB; however, only modulated startle kinematics, an indication of motor dysfunction. To investigate the mechanisms of 2,4-DAB's effects, we analyzed the protein profile of larval zebrafish exposed to 500 µM 2,4-DAB at two time points and identified molecular signatures consistent with neurodegeneration, including disruption of metabolic pathways and downregulation of the ALS-associated genes SOD1 and UBQLN4. Together, our data demonstrate that BMAA and its isomers AEG and 2,4-DAB cause neurotoxic effects in vivo, with 2,4-DAB as the most potent of the three in the zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubia M Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Michael S Bereman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kurt C Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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12
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Marine Neurotoxins' Effects on Environmental and Human Health: An OMICS Overview. Mar Drugs 2021; 20:md20010018. [PMID: 35049872 PMCID: PMC8778346 DOI: 10.3390/md20010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HAB), and the consequent release of toxic metabolites, can be responsible for seafood poisoning outbreaks. Marine wildlife can accumulate these toxins throughout the food chain, which presents a threat to consumers’ health. Some of these toxins, such as saxitoxin (STX), domoic acid (DA), ciguatoxin (CTX), brevetoxin (BTX), tetrodotoxin (TTX), and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), cause severe neurological symptoms in humans. Considerable information is missing, however, notably the consequences of toxin exposures on changes in gene expression, protein profile, and metabolic pathways. This information could lead to understanding the consequence of marine neurotoxin exposure in aquatic organisms and humans. Nevertheless, recent contributions to the knowledge of neurotoxins arise from OMICS-based research, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the most recent research and of the available solutions to explore OMICS datasets in order to identify new features in terms of ecotoxicology, food safety, and human health. In addition, future perspectives in OMICS studies are discussed.
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13
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Cyanobacteria, Cyanotoxins, and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Dangerous Liaisons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168726. [PMID: 34445429 PMCID: PMC8395864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative disease (ND) is increasing, partly owing to extensions in lifespan, with a larger percentage of members living to an older age, but the ND aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, and effective treatments are still lacking. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are generally thought to progress as a consequence of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. Up to now, several environmental triggers have been associated with NDs, and recent studies suggest that some cyanotoxins, produced by cyanobacteria and acting through a variety of molecular mechanisms, are highly neurotoxic, although their roles in neuropathy and particularly in NDs are still controversial. In this review, we summarize the most relevant and recent evidence that points at cyanotoxins as environmental triggers in NDs development.
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14
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Quinn AW, Phillips CR, Violi JP, Steele JR, Johnson MS, Westerhausen MT, Rodgers KJ. β-Methylamino-L-alanine-induced protein aggregation in vitro and protection by L-serine. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1351-1359. [PMID: 34283312 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The cyanobacterial non-protein amino acid α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid, more commonly known as BMAA, was first discovered in the seeds of the ancient gymnosperm Cycad circinalis (now Cycas micronesica Hill). BMAA was linked to the high incidence of neurological disorders on the island of Guam first reported in the 1950s. BMAA still attracts interest as a possible causative factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) following the identification of ALS disease clusters associated with living in proximity to lakes with regular cyanobacterial blooms. Since its discovery, BMAA toxicity has been the subject of many in vivo and in vitro studies. A number of mechanisms of toxicity have been proposed including an agonist effect at glutamate receptors, competition with cysteine for transport system xc_ and other mechanisms capable of generating cellular oxidative stress. In addition, a wide range of studies have reported effects related to disturbances in proteostasis including endoplasmic reticulum stress and activation of the unfolded protein response. In the present studies we examine the effects of BMAA on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and on chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) by measuring levels of ubiquitinated proteins and lamp2a protein levels in a differentiated neuronal cell line exposed to BMAA. The BMAA induced increases in oxidised proteins and the increase in CMA activity reported could be prevented by co-administration of L-serine but not by the two antioxidants examined. These data provide further evidence of a protective role for L-serine against the deleterious effects of BMAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Quinn
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Connor R Phillips
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Jake P Violi
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Joel R Steele
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael S Johnson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Mika T Westerhausen
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Kenneth J Rodgers
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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15
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Wilson KM, Burkus-Matesevac A, Maddox SW, Chouinard CD. Native Ubiquitin Structural Changes Resulting from Complexation with β-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:895-900. [PMID: 33735566 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to investigate potential changes to unfolding energy barriers for ubiquitin in the presence of the noncanonical amino acid β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). Although BMAA has been implicated in neurodegenerative disease, its specific role remains unclear. We hypothesized that formation of a ubiquitin + BMAA noncovalent complex would alter the protein's unfolding dynamics in comparison with native ubiquitin alone or in noncovalent complexes with other amino acids. Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) revealed that at sufficiently high concentrations BMAA did in fact form a noncovalent complex with ubiquitin, and similar complexes were identified for a range of additional amino acids. Collision-induced unfolding (CIU) was used to interrogate the unfolding of native ubiquitin and these Ubq-amino acid complexes, showing a major transition from its compact native state (∼1200 Å2) to an unfolded state (∼1400 Å2) at activation energies in the range from 8.0 to 9.0 V (entrance grid delta). The Ubq-BMAA complex, on the other hand, was observed to have a significantly higher energy barrier to unfolding, requiring more than 10.5 V. This indicates that the complex remains more stable under native conditions and this may indicate that BMAA has attached to a critical binding location worthy of further study for its potential role in the onset of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Mae Wilson
- Chemistry Program, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida 32904, United States
| | - Aurora Burkus-Matesevac
- Chemistry Program, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida 32904, United States
| | - Samuel W Maddox
- Chemistry Program, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida 32904, United States
| | - Christopher D Chouinard
- Chemistry Program, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida 32904, United States
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16
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Yadav RK, Minz E, Mehan S. Understanding Abnormal c-JNK/p38MAPK Signaling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Potential Drug Targets and Influences on Neurological Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 20:417-429. [PMID: 33557726 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210126113848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
c-JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members work in a cell-specific manner to regulate neuronal signals. The abnormal activation of these cellular signals can cause glutamate excitotoxicity, disrupted protein homeostasis, defective axonal transport, and synaptic dysfunction. Various pre-clinical and clinical findings indicate that the up-regulation of c-JNK and p38MAPK signaling is associated with neurological disorders. Exceptionally, a significant amount of experimental data has recently shown that dysregulated c-JNK and p38MAPK are implicated in the damage to the central nervous system, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, currently available information has shown that c- JNK/p38MAPK signaling inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic alternative for improving histopathological, functional, and demyelination defects related to motor neuron disabilities. Understanding the abnormal activation of c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling and the prediction of motor neuron loss may help identify important therapeutic interventions that could prevent neurocomplications. Based on the involvement of c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling in the brain, we have assumed that the downregulation of the c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway could trigger neuroprotection and neurotrophic effects towards clinicopathological presentations of ALS and other brain diseases. Thus, this research-based review also outlines the inhibition of c-JNK and p38MAPK signal downregulation in the pursuit of disease-modifying therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwar Kumar Yadav
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Elizabeth Minz
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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17
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Ra D, Sa B, Sl B, Js M, Sj M, DA D, Ew S, O K, Eb B, Ad C, Vx T, Gg G, Pa C, Dc M, Wg B. Is Exposure to BMAA a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Response to a Critical Review of the BMAA Hypothesis. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:81-106. [PMID: 33547590 PMCID: PMC7904546 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In a literature survey, Chernoff et al. (2017) dismissed the hypothesis that chronic exposure to β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) may be a risk factor for progressive neurodegenerative disease. They question the growing scientific literature that suggests the following: (1) BMAA exposure causes ALS/PDC among the indigenous Chamorro people of Guam; (2) Guamanian ALS/PDC shares clinical and neuropathological features with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ALS; (3) one possible mechanism for protein misfolds is misincorporation of BMAA into proteins as a substitute for L-serine; and (4) chronic exposure to BMAA through diet or environmental exposures to cyanobacterial blooms can cause neurodegenerative disease. We here identify multiple errors in their critique including the following: (1) their review selectively cites the published literature; (2) the authors reported favorably on HILIC methods of BMAA detection while the literature shows significant matrix effects and peak coelution in HILIC that may prevent detection and quantification of BMAA in cyanobacteria; (3) the authors build alternative arguments to the BMAA hypothesis, rather than explain the published literature which, to date, has been unable to refute the BMAA hypothesis; and (4) the authors erroneously attribute methods to incorrect studies, indicative of a failure to carefully consider all relevant publications. The lack of attention to BMAA research begins with the review's title which incorrectly refers to BMAA as a "non-essential" amino acid. Research regarding chronic exposure to BMAA as a cause of human neurodegenerative diseases is emerging and requires additional resources, validation, and research. Here, we propose strategies for improvement in the execution and reporting of analytical methods and the need for additional and well-executed inter-lab comparisons for BMAA quantitation. We emphasize the need for optimization and validation of analytical methods to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose. Although there remain gaps in the literature, an increasingly large body of data from multiple independent labs using orthogonal methods provides increasing evidence that chronic exposure to BMAA may be a risk factor for neurological illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunlop Ra
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA.
| | - Banack Sa
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Bishop Sl
- Lewis Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Metcalf Js
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Murch Sj
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Davis DA
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stommel Ew
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Karlsson O
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brittebo Eb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Tan Vx
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Ryde, Australia
| | - Guillemin Gg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Ryde, Australia
| | - Cox Pa
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Mash Dc
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Bradley Wg
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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18
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Martin RM, Bereman MS, Marsden KC. BMAA and MCLR Interact to Modulate Behavior and Exacerbate Molecular Changes Related to Neurodegeneration in Larval Zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2021; 179:251-261. [PMID: 33295630 PMCID: PMC8502428 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to toxins produced by cyanobacteria (ie, cyanotoxins) is an emerging health concern due to their increasing prevalence and previous associations with neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of a mixture of two co-occurring cyanotoxins, β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) and microcystin leucine and arginine (MCLR), using the larval zebrafish model. We combined high-throughput behavior-based toxicity assays with discovery proteomic techniques to identify behavioral and molecular changes following 6 days of exposure. Although neither toxin caused mortality, morphological defects, nor altered general locomotor behavior in zebrafish larvae, both toxins increased acoustic startle sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner by at least 40% (p < .0001). Furthermore, startle sensitivity was enhanced by an additional 40% in larvae exposed to the BMAA/MCLR mixture relative to those exposed to the individual toxins. Supporting these behavioral results, our proteomic analysis revealed a 4-fold increase in the number of differentially expressed proteins in the mixture-exposed group. Additionally, prediction analysis reveals activation and/or inhibition of 8 enriched canonical pathways (enrichment p-value < .01; z-score≥|2|), including ILK, Rho Family GTPase, RhoGDI, and calcium signaling pathways, which have been implicated in neurodegeneration. We also found that expression of TDP-43, of which cytoplasmic aggregates are a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathology, was significantly upregulated by 5.7-fold following BMAA/MCLR mixture exposure. Together, our results emphasize the importance of including mixtures of cyanotoxins when investigating the link between environmental cyanotoxins and neurodegeneration as we reveal that BMAA and MCLR interact in vivo to enhance neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubia M Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Michael S Bereman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Kurt C Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
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19
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Misincorporation Proteomics Technologies: A Review. Proteomes 2021; 9:proteomes9010002. [PMID: 33494504 PMCID: PMC7924376 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathies are diseases caused by factors that affect proteoform conformation. As such, a prevalent hypothesis is that the misincorporation of noncanonical amino acids into a proteoform results in detrimental structures. However, this hypothesis is missing proteomic evidence, specifically the detection of a noncanonical amino acid in a peptide sequence. This review aims to outline the current state of technology that can be used to investigate mistranslations and misincorporations whilst framing the pursuit as Misincorporation Proteomics (MiP). The current availability of technologies explored herein is mass spectrometry, sample enrichment/preparation, data analysis techniques, and the hyphenation of approaches. While many of these technologies show potential, our review reveals a need for further development and refinement of approaches is still required.
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20
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Davis DA, Cox PA, Banack SA, Lecusay PD, Garamszegi SP, Hagan MJ, Powell JT, Metcalf JS, Palmour RM, Beierschmitt A, Bradley WG, Mash DC. l-Serine Reduces Spinal Cord Pathology in a Vervet Model of Preclinical ALS/MND. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 79:393-406. [PMID: 32077471 PMCID: PMC7092359 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The early neuropathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) are protein aggregates in motor neurons and microglial activation. Similar pathology characterizes Guamanian ALS/Parkinsonism dementia complex, which may be triggered by the cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). We report here the occurrence of ALS/MND-type pathological changes in vervets (Chlorocebus sabaeus; n = 8) fed oral doses of a dry powder of BMAA HCl salt (210 mg/kg/day) for 140 days. Spinal cords and brains from toxin-exposed vervets were compared to controls fed rice flour (210 mg/kg/day) and to vervets coadministered equal amounts of BMAA and l-serine (210 mg/kg/day). Immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis were used to examine markers of ALS/MND and glial activation. UHPLC-MS/MS was used to confirm BMAA exposures in dosed vervets. Motor neuron degeneration was demonstrated in BMAA-dosed vervets by TDP-43+ proteinopathy in anterior horn cells, by reactive astrogliosis, by activated microglia, and by damage to myelinated axons in the lateral corticospinal tracts. Vervets dosed with BMAA + l-serine displayed reduced neuropathological changes. This study demonstrates that chronic dietary exposure to BMAA causes ALS/MND-type pathological changes in the vervet and coadministration of l-serine reduces the amount of reactive gliosis and the number of protein inclusions in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Brain Chemistry Labs, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Brain Chemistry Labs, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
| | | | | | - Matthew J Hagan
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | | | | | - Roberta M Palmour
- Behavioural Science Foundation, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amy Beierschmitt
- Behavioural Science Foundation, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
| | - Walter G Bradley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Deborah C Mash
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
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21
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Soto T, Buzzi ED, Rotstein NP, German OL, Politi LE. Damaging effects of BMAA on retina neurons and Müller glial cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108342. [PMID: 33144094 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
B-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a cyanotoxin produced by most cyanobacteria, has been proposed to cause long term damages leading to neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia complex (ALS/PDC) and retinal pathologies. Previous work has shown diverse mechanisms leading to BMAA-induced degeneration; however, the underlying mechanisms of toxicity affecting retina cells are not fully elucidated. We here show that BMAA treatment of rat retina neurons in vitro induced nuclear fragmentation and cell death in both photoreceptors (PHRs) and amacrine neurons, provoking mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Pretreatment with the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 prevented BMAA-induced death of amacrine neurons, but not that of PHRs, implying activation of NMDA receptors participated only in amacrine cell death. Noteworthy, BMAA stimulated a selective axonal outgrowth in amacrine neurons, simultaneously promoting growth cone destabilization. BMAA partially decreased the viability of Müller glial cells (MGC), the main glial cell type in the retina, induced marked alterations in their actin cytoskeleton and impaired their capacity to protect retinal neurons. BMAA also induced cell death and promoted axonal outgrowth in differentiated rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, implying these effects were not limited to amacrine neurons. These results suggest that BMAA is toxic for retina neurons and MGC and point to the involvement of NMDA receptors in amacrine cell death, providing new insight into the mechanisms involved in BMAA neurotoxic effects in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Soto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Depto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo D Buzzi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Depto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Depto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - O Lorena German
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Depto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Luis E Politi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, Depto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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22
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Nunes-Costa D, Magalhães JD, G-Fernandes M, Cardoso SM, Empadinhas N. Microbial BMAA and the Pathway for Parkinson's Disease Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:26. [PMID: 32317956 PMCID: PMC7019015 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a natural non-proteinogenic diamino acid produced by several species of both prokaryotic (cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic (diatoms and dinoflagellates) microorganisms. BMAA has been shown to biomagnify through the food chain in some ecosystems, accumulating for example in seafood such as shellfish and fish, common dietary sources of BMAA whose ingestion may have possible neuronal consequences. In addition to its excitotoxic potential, BMAA has been implicated in protein misfolding and aggregation, inhibition of specific enzymes and neuroinflammation, all hallmark features of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated in detail. Although BMAA is commonly detected in its free form, complex BMAA-containing molecules have also been identified such as the paenilamicins, produced by an insect gut bacterial pathogen. On the other hand, production of BMAA or BMAA-containing molecules by members of the human gut microbiota, for example by non-photosynthetic cyanobacteria, the Melainabacteria, remains only hypothetical. In any case, should BMAA reach the gut it may interact with cells of the mucosal immune system and neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and possibly target the mitochondria. Here, we review the available evidence and hint on possible mechanisms by which chronic exposure to dietary sources of this microbial neurotoxin may drive protein misfolding and mitochondrial dysfunction with concomitant activation of innate immune responses, chronic low-grade gut inflammation, and ultimately the neurodegenerative features observed across the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nunes-Costa
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental
Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of
Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - João Duarte Magalhães
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental
Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of
Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - Maria G-Fernandes
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - Sandra Morais Cardoso
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra,
Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
(IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
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23
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Han NC, Bullwinkle TJ, Loeb KF, Faull KF, Mohler K, Rinehart J, Ibba M. The mechanism of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine inhibition of tRNA aminoacylation and its impact on misincorporation. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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24
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Han NC, Bullwinkle TJ, Loeb KF, Faull KF, Mohler K, Rinehart J, Ibba M. The mechanism of β- N-methylamino-l-alanine inhibition of tRNA aminoacylation and its impact on misincorporation. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:1402-1410. [PMID: 31862734 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a nonproteinogenic amino acid that has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). BMAA has been found in human protein extracts; however, the mechanism by which it enters the proteome is still unclear. It has been suggested that BMAA is misincorporated at serine codons during protein synthesis, but direct evidence of its cotranslational incorporation is currently lacking. Here, using LC-MS-purified BMAA and several biochemical assays, we sought to determine whether any aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) utilizes BMAA as a substrate for aminoacylation. Despite BMAA's previously predicted misincorporation at serine codons, following a screen for amino acid activation in ATP/PPi exchange assays, we observed that BMAA is not a substrate for human seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS). Instead, we observed that BMAA is a substrate for human alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AlaRS) and can form BMAA-tRNAAla by escaping from the intrinsic AlaRS proofreading activity. Furthermore, we found that BMAA inhibits both the cognate amino acid activation and the editing functions of AlaRS. Our results reveal that, in addition to being misincorporated during translation, BMAA may be able to disrupt the integrity of protein synthesis through multiple different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nien-Ching Han
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43220
| | - Tammy J Bullwinkle
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43220
| | - Kaeli F Loeb
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43220
| | - Kym F Faull
- Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024-1759
| | - Kyle Mohler
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520.,Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Jesse Rinehart
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520.,Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Michael Ibba
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43220
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25
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The Cyanotoxin and Non-protein Amino Acid β-Methylamino-L-Alanine (L-BMAA) in the Food Chain: Incorporation into Proteins and Its Impact on Human Health. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:602-611. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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26
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Sieroslawska A, Rymuszka A. Assessment of the cytotoxic impact of cyanotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine on a fish immune cell line. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 212:214-221. [PMID: 31132739 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid produced by several cyanobacteria species. It is considered to be a potent neurotoxin. Although its neurotoxic effects are well studied, other negative effects of BMAA have not yet been completely elucidated. In the present study, we studied the cytotoxic effects of a wide range of concentrations of BMAA (0.25-2.0 mM) on a stable fish immune cell line (CLC) obtained from carp monocytes. The cells exposed to higher concentrations of BMAA exhibited an altered morphology, changed ATP levels, and reduced proliferation. On the basis of toxic effects of BMAA on lysosomes, mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity, and cell membrane integrity, we determined its cytotoxic concentrations. We also investigated effects of the toxin at non-cytotoxic concentrations on the basic functions of CLC cells. BMAA did not affect the production and release of IL-1β or phagocytic activity of the cells. However, higher non-toxic BMAA concentrations altered the levels of extracellular and intracellular total proteins compared to those in control cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sieroslawska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Toxicology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Rymuszka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Toxicology, Institute of Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland
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27
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Cox D, Raeburn C, Sui X, Hatters DM. Protein aggregation in cell biology: An aggregomics perspective of health and disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 99:40-54. [PMID: 29753879 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential for cellular health and is governed by a network of quality control machinery comprising over 800 genes. When proteostasis becomes imbalanced, proteins can abnormally aggregate or become mislocalized. Inappropriate protein aggregation and proteostasis imbalance are two of the central pathological features of common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington, and motor neuron diseases. How aggregation contributes to the pathogenic mechanisms of disease remains incompletely understood. Here, we integrate some of the key and emerging ideas as to how protein aggregation relates to imbalanced proteostasis with an emphasis on Huntington disease as our area of main expertise. We propose the term "aggregomics" be coined in reference to how aggregation of particular proteins concomitantly influences the spatial organization and protein-protein interactions of the surrounding proteome. Meta-analysis of aggregated interactomes from various published datasets reveals chaperones and RNA-binding proteins are common components across various disease contexts. We conclude with an examination of therapeutic avenues targeting proteostasis mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezerae Cox
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Australia
| | - Candice Raeburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Australia
| | - Xiaojing Sui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Australia
| | - Danny M Hatters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Australia.
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28
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Beri J, Kirkwood KI, Muddiman DC, Bereman MS. A novel integrated strategy for the detection and quantification of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in environmental samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:2597-2605. [PMID: 29455280 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-0930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We describe a set of new tools for the detection and quantification of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) which includes a novel stable isotope-labeled BMAA standard (13C3,15N2) and a chip-based capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry platform for separation and detection. Baseline resolution of BMAA from its potentially confounding structural isomers N-2-aminoethylglycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) is achieved using the chip-based CE-MS system in less than 1 min. Detection and linearity of response are demonstrated across > 3.5 orders of dynamic range using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The lower limit of detection and quantification were calculated for BMAA detection at 40 nM (4.8 ng/mL) and 400 nM (48 ng/mL), respectively. Finally, the strategy was applied to detect BMAA in seafood samples purchased at a local market in Raleigh, NC where their harvest location was known. BMAA was detected in a sea scallop sample. Because the BMAA/stable isotope-labeled 13C3,15N2-BMAA (SIL-BMAA) ratio in the scallop sample was below the limit of quantification, a semiquantitative analysis of BMAA content was carried out, and BMAA content was estimated to be approximately 820 ng BMAA/1 g of wet scallop tissue. Identification was verified by high mass measurement accuracy of precursor (< 5 ppm) and product ions (< 10 ppm), comigration with SIL-BMAA spike-in standard, and conservation of ion abundance ratios for product ions between BMAA and SIL-BMAA. Interestingly, BMAA was not identified in the free protein fraction but only detected after protein hydrolysis which suggests that BMAA is tightly bound by and/or incorporated into proteins. Graphical abstract Utilization of novel 13C3,15N2-BMAA and chip-based CE-MS/MS for detection and quantification of BMAA in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Beri
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Kaylie I Kirkwood
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - David C Muddiman
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Michael S Bereman
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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29
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Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) Mode of Action within the Neurodegenerative Pathway: Facts and Controversy. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:toxins10010006. [PMID: 29271898 PMCID: PMC5793093 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The implication of the cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in long-lasting neurodegenerative disorders is still a matter of controversy. It has been alleged that chronic ingestion of BMAA through the food chain could be a causative agent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and several related pathologies including Parkinson syndrome. Both in vitro and in vivo studies of the BMAA mode of action have focused on different molecular targets, demonstrating its toxicity to neuronal cells, especially motoneurons, and linking it to human neurodegenerative diseases. Historically, the hypothesis of BMAA-induced excitotoxicity following the stimulation of glutamate receptors has been established. However, in this paradigm, most studies have shown acute, rather than chronic effects of BMAA. More recently, the interaction of this toxin with neuromelanin, a pigment present in the nervous system, has opened a new research perspective. The issues raised by this toxin are related to its kinetics of action, and its possible incorporation into cellular proteins. It appears that BMAA neurotoxic activity involves different targets through several mechanisms known to favour the development of neurodegenerative processes.
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30
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Nunn PB. 50 years of research on α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid (β-methylaminoalanine). PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2017; 144:271-281. [PMID: 29102875 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid from seeds of Cycas circinalis (now C. micronesica Hill) resulted from a purposeful attempt to establish the cause of the profound neurological disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism/dementia, that existed in high frequency amongst the inhabitants of the western Pacific island of Guam (Guam ALS/PD). In the 50 years since its discovery the amino acid has been a stimulus, and sometimes a subject of mockery, for generations of scientists in a remarkably diverse range of subject areas. The number of citations of the original paper has risen in the five decades from a few to 120 within the decade 2007-2016 and continues at a high rate into the next decade. The reasons for this remarkable outcome are discussed and examples from the literature are used to illustrate the wide range of scientific interest that the original paper generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Nunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DT, UK.
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