Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Jos Mantas, Peter B. Nunn, Geoffrey A. Codd, Daniel Barker
Summary: Cyanobacteria are a type of ancient clade of photosynthetic prokaryotes found in various habitats worldwide, including water resources. They may pose health hazards due to the production of cyanotoxins, including the neurotoxin BMAA. The biosynthetic pathways for BMAA in cyanobacteria are not well understood, with potential connections to iron-scavenging and unclear taxonomic distribution.
Article
Food Science & Technology
David A. Davis, Susanna P. Garamszegi, Sandra Anne Banack, Patrick D. Dooley, Thomas M. Coyne, Dylan W. McLean, David S. Rotstein, Deborah C. Mash, Paul Alan Cox
Summary: The study found that dolphins exposed to BMAA and MeHg may lead to changes in neuropathology, including lesions similar to AD. The results suggest that dolphins exposed to BMAA and MeHg displayed similar neurodegenerative disease features as AD patients.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steffen Breinlinger, Tabitha J. Phillips, Brigette N. Haram, Jan Mares, Jose A. Martinez Yerena, Pavel Hrouzek, Roman Sobotka, W. Matthew Henderson, Peter Schmieder, Susan M. Williams, James D. Lauderdale, H. Dayton Wilde, Wesley Gerrin, Andreja Kust, John W. Washington, Christoph Wagner, Benedikt Geier, Manuel Liebeke, Heike Enke, Timo H. J. Niedermeyer, Susan B. Wilde
Summary: Vacuolar myelinopathy is a fatal neurological disease discovered during a mass mortality of bald eagles in Arkansas, USA, caused by a neurotoxin produced by an epiphytic cyanobacterial species growing on aquatic vegetation. Environmental factors, especially bromide availability, promote toxin production and spread of the disease.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Galina Nugumanova, Eugene D. Ponomarev, Sholpan Askarova, Elizaveta Fasler-Kan, Natasha S. Barteneva
Summary: Cyanobacteria produce a variety of cyanotoxins and cyanopeptides that have both acute and long-term neurotoxic effects. These compounds can block proteins and channels, inhibit essential enzymes, and cause mistranslation of proteins, leading to neuronal death and neurodegeneration. The production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is an ancient mechanism that may disrupt gut microorganisms and affect mitochondrial function in neurons. Understanding this interaction is crucial for targeting or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antonio Fernandez, Paul D. Jepson, Josue Diaz-Delgado, Yara Bernaldo de Quiros, Eva Sierra, Blanca Mompeo, Ana Isabel Vela, Giovanni Di Guardo, Cristian Suarez-Santana, Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros, Pedro Herraez, Marisa Andrada, Maria Jose Caballero, Miguel Rivero, Francesco Consoli, Ayoze Castro-Alonso, Oscar Quesada-Canales, Manuel Arbelo
Summary: Research suggests that cystic liver lesions (CLL) in dolphins are different from acute systemic gas embolism in stranded beaked whales, and are possibly caused by a combination of gas bubbles exacerbating a pre-existing hepatic vascular disorder. Further research is needed to determine the precise etiology and contributing factors for CLL in cetaceans.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Aifeng Li, Yeju Yan, Jiangbing Qiu, Guowang Yan, Peng Zhao, Min Li, Ying Ji, Guixiang Wang, Fanping Meng, Yang Li, James S. Metcalf, Sandra A. Banack
Summary: This study demonstrates that marine diatoms Thalassiosira minima are capable of producing BMAA-containing proteins in axenic culture and in co-culture with Cyanobacterium aponinum. The biosynthesis of BMAA-containing proteins in diatoms is influenced by factors such as cell-cell interactions and nitrogen deprivation. Transcriptome analysis reveals the pathways and genes associated with diatom metabolism and cellular functions that are affected by BMAA biosynthesis.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siobhan J. Peters, Kenneth J. Rodgers, Simon M. Mitrovic, David P. Bishop
Summary: This study utilized modern analytical techniques to monitor the concentrations of BMAA and its isomers during a cyanobacteria bloom event, revealing a decreasing trend in BMAA concentration as the bloom progressed, while its isomers did not follow the same decreasing pattern.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Boyin Yan, Songxue Wang, Zhiquan Liu, Da Wang, Wenxin Shi, Fuyi Cui
Summary: In this study, the UV254/H2O2 process was used to remove BMAA, a cyanobacteria neurotoxin, and the results showed high removal efficiency. The degradation pathways and production mechanisms of by-products of BMAA were also determined.
Review
Microbiology
Srdjan Lopicic, Zorica Svircev, Tamara Palanacki Malesevic, Aleksandar Kopitovic, Aleksandra Ivanovska, Jussi Meriluoto
Summary: In this review, we have discussed the occurrence of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its natural isomers, as well as the detection of the toxin(s) in organisms and sample types. We have also examined the general pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and how BMAA fits into those mechanisms. Furthermore, we have presented the biogeography of BMAA occurrence, which can contribute to epidemiological research, and analyzed the potential significance of BMAA as well as identified gaps in our understanding. Overall, this review provides a basis for discussing the potential role of BMAA in neurodegenerative diseases, guiding further research, and outlining possible research directions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel G. Ricardo, Markus Schwark, Dayma Llanes, Timo H. J. Niedermeyer, Bernhard Westermann
Summary: Aetokthonotoxin has been identified as the cyanobacterial neurotoxin causing Vacuolar Myelinopathy, a fatal neurologic disease affecting birds of prey such as the bald eagle in the USA. The total synthesis of this specialized metabolite was achieved in five steps with an overall yield of 29% through key steps like the Somei-type Michael reaction.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Jeong Ah Park, Yoseph Seo, Hiesang Sohn, Chulhwan Park, Junhong Min, Taek Lee
Summary: This review discusses the continued development of neurotoxin biosensors based on electrochemistry and optics. Cyanobacteria that cause algal blooms are widely distributed worldwide and pose a serious threat to human health. Traditional analytical techniques for detecting neurotoxins have limitations, but the introduction of biosensors can overcome these limitations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Willy Dabin, Bastien Rochowski, Michel Daudon, Vincent Ridoux
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and structure of vaginal calculi in the eastern North Atlantic common dolphin Delphinus delphis, revealing that the stones may be a result of dysfunction in the uro-genital tract which interferes with successful reproduction. Calculi were found in 3.2% of examined females, showing an age-related pattern with no relationship between calculus size and age.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wen-Ta Li, Lien-Siang Chou, Hue-Ying Chiou, I-Hua Chen, Wei-Cheng Yang
Summary: The study summarizes postmortem investigations of 73 cetaceans stranded on the coast of Taiwan between 2001 and 2013. It found that some of the cetaceans were directly impacted by human activities, such as fisheries interaction and vessel collision, while also identifying issues like gastrointestinal foreign bodies and severe parasite infestation. This suggests that these cetaceans may face multiple stressors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lena C. O'Flynn, Kristina Simonyan
Summary: This study investigated the short-term and long-term effects of BoNT treatment on brain function in patients with LD. The results suggest that BoNT-treated patients who benefited from the treatment had reduced activity in the left precuneus compared to untreated patients and patients who did not benefit from the treatment. Additionally, BoNT-treated patients with adductor LD showed decreased activity in the right thalamus, while patients with abductor LD showed reduced activity in the left inferior frontal cortex. There were no significant differences in brain activity between patients with shorter and longer treatment durations. However, patients with intermediate treatment duration of 6-12 years showed reduced activity in the right cerebellum and right prefrontal cortex compared to patients with shorter treatment duration.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yanchao Yu, Ni Li, Yan Li, Wentao Liu
Summary: This study designed a novel, lightweight, and portable EEG acquisition device for dolphins, which can be tied to their bodies with a waterproof device box. The device utilizes customized suction cups with embedded electrodes and Bluetooth module for wireless communication. Initial experiments verified the functionality of the device onshore and underwater, with more rigorous long-term tests planned for the future to study movement-related artifacts.
Article
Neurosciences
Fiona J. M. Tymm, Stephanie L. Bishop, Susan J. Murch
Summary: Beta-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-protein amino acid produced by cyanobacteria that can accumulate in ecosystems and food webs, posing a risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Various analytical methods for BMAA analysis have faced challenges in meeting validation criteria, with the ZIC-HILIC column method showing particular issues. The study demonstrates that the ZIC-HILIC column is not suitable for analyzing BMAA in cyanobacterial matrices.
NEUROTOXICITY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Erika J. Wolf, Ci-Di Chen, Xiang Zhao, Zhenwei Zhou, Filomene G. Morrison, Nikolaos P. Daskalakis, Annjanette Stone, Steven Schichman, Jaclyn Garza Grenier, Dana Fein-Schaffer, Bertrand R. Huber, Carmela R. Abraham, Mark W. Miller, Mark W. Logue
Summary: This study found that a specific polymorphism of the longevity gene klotho (KL), rs9315202, interacted with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to predict advanced epigenetic age in the motor cortex. Additionally, alcohol abuse was associated with advanced epigenetic age in the motor cortex. The results suggest that alterations in the KL gene may operate through long noncoding RNA to affect KL gene expression.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Matthew J. Girgenti, Jiawei Wang, Dingjue Ji, Dianne A. Cruz, Murray B. Stein, Joel Gelernter, Keith A. Young, Bertrand R. Huber, Douglas E. Williamson, Matthew J. Friedman, John H. Krystal, Hongyu Zhao, Ronald S. Duman, Ronald S. Duman
Summary: This study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular pathology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through transcriptome analysis of postmortem brains, revealing extensive remodeling of gene expression networks and identifying genetic susceptibility factors, as well as marked transcriptional sexual dimorphism. Additionally, comparison with major depressive disorder cohorts shows significant differences between the molecular profiles of individuals with PTSD and major depressive disorder despite their high comorbidity, supporting the notion that PTSD has distinct molecular determinants.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lauren A. E. Erland, Christina E. Turi, Susan J. Murch
Summary: The natural health products industry in North America is worth $9.6 billion USD and has seen increased demand for immune support and anti-viral supplements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, there are at least 1445 medicinal plant species used in commercial products, with 1217 of them being native species. Climate change is also affecting medicinal plants and non-timber forest crops as suitable growing areas shift.
Review
Plant Sciences
Susan J. Murch, Lauren A. E. Erland
Summary: Melatonin is a neurohormone, antioxidant, and signaling molecule first discovered in plants in 1995, with critical roles in plant responses and development. Research has provided an overview of its biosynthesis, metabolism, and key functions in plants, while also identifying new opportunities for future investigations.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Abisola Z. Kehinde, Lauren A. E. Erland, Ying Liu, Diane Ragone, A. M. P. Jones, Susan J. Murch
Summary: Breadfruit has over 300 cultivars with varying starch and fiber characteristics. Ma'afala cultivar has the highest protein content, Ulu fiti has the highest starch yield but lowest swelling power and solubility, while Yuley has high dietary fiber, swelling power, and low starch-bound protein content, making it an ideal cultivar for various applications.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Samantha L. Gerlach, Rachael A. Dunlop, James S. Metcalf, Sandra A. Banack, Paul Alan Cox
Summary: This study found that cyclotides have cytotoxic effects on human brain astrocytoma cells and human bone marrow derived neuroblastoma cells and can increase TMZ-induced cell death. The results suggest that cyclotides may serve as adjuvants to TMZ chemotherapy.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandra Anne Banack, Aleksandra C. Stark, Paul Alan Cox
Summary: This study aimed to identify a usable biomarker for early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from blood samples. By comparing metabolites in blood plasma between early-stage AD patients and healthy controls, the study found that the concentration of 2-aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate normalized by taurine concentration could distinguish early-stage AD patients. This potential biomarker could supplement clinical diagnosis for early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Barbara C. Sorkin, Susan J. Murch, Connie M. Weaver, Mahtab Jafari
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lauren A. E. Erland, Christopher R. Dumigan, Jillian A. Forsyth, Liubov Frolova, Adam B. Yasunaga, Winnie Pun, Isaac T. S. Li, Michael K. Deyholos, Susan J. Murch
Summary: This study reveals that the mechanisms of melatonin action in plants are unclear. Experimental results suggest that roots may have specific melatonin receptors and transporters. The study also identifies RBL7 as a key protein that interacts with melatonin and regulates root architecture and growth.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Xiang Zhao, Mark W. Logue, Sage E. Hawn, Zoe E. Neale, Zhenwei Zhou, Bertrand R. Huber, Mark W. Miller, Erika J. Wolf
Summary: This study suggests that psychiatric disorders are associated with DNA methylation age, and inflammation and immune system dysregulation play a significant role in the link between psychopathology and cellular aging.
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaede Hirabayashi, Susan J. Murch, Lauren A. E. Erland
Summary: Climate change will have a critical impact on berry cultivation in Canada. Predicting the impact of climate change on habitat suitability of different berry species can help mitigate the impacts on ecosystems and food security. Commercial cranberry farms may need new varieties to adapt to the changing climate.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lauren A. E. Erland, Amber M. L. W. Needham, Abisola Z. Kehinde, Adeyemi P. Adebowale, Noa K. Lincoln, Diane Ragone, Susan J. Murch
Summary: Breadfruit is an important traditional staple food crop in Samoa and Tonga, and has been introduced for commercial cultivation worldwide. This study found that edaphic properties and climate factors influence the energy, protein, moisture, fat, fiber, and starch content of breadfruit. Fertilizer application and water balance affect fruit size. Climate modeling can be a useful tool for predicting breadfruit performance, but its accuracy in predicting fruit quality and nutrition is limited.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Sheila T. Nagamatsu, Gregory Rompala, Yasmin L. Hurd, Diana L. Nunez-Rios, Janitza L. Montalvo-Ortiz
Summary: This study investigates the role of mCpHs in OUD and identifies important biological pathways and drug targets associated with the disorder in the human postmortem orbital frontal cortex.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rachael Anne Dunlop, Sandra Anne Banack, Paul Alan Cox
Summary: MicroRNAs(miRNAs) have potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, but inconsistencies across studies have hindered their clinical application. Differences in miRNAs associated with specific diseases and regulation direction reflect the heterogeneity of pathologies or different protocols. This study aimed to determine if a unique extracellular vesicle fraction could improve the reproducibility of miRNA fingerprint diagnostic of ALS.