Quantitative proteomics analysis of zebrafish exposed to sub-lethal dosages of β-methyl-amino-L-alanine (BMAA)

A multi-omics approach reveals impaired lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in a zebrafish model of Alexander disease

Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare leukodystrophy caused by heterozygous mutations in the GFAP gene. To date, several in vitro and in vivo models have been generated in an attempt to unravel the main mechanisms underlying this complex disease. However, none of these models is suitable for investigating the global dysregulation caused by AxD. To address this shortcoming, we have generated a stable transgenic zebrafish line (zAxD) carrying the human GFAP p.R239C mutation, which is associated with severe phenotypes of AxD type I patients. We then performed transcriptomics and proteomics analyses on the whole larvae of our zAxD model, confirming the involvement of several pathways such as the immune system response and inflammation, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix, lipoxidation and lipid metabolism, which were previously reported in more limited omic studies. Interestingly, new pathways emerged as well, including tyrosine and butanoate metabolic processes. Biochemical assays confirmed alterations in cell respiration and lipid metabolism as well as elevated oxidative stress. These findings confirm the reliability of the zAxD model to apply a whole-organism approach to investigate the molecular basis of the disease.

Unveiling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis complexity: insights from proteomics, metabolomics and microbiomics

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common motor neuron disease and manifests as a clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder mainly affecting the motor systems. To date, despite promising results and accumulating knowledge on the pathomechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a specific disease-modifying treatment is still not available. In vitro and in vivo disease models coupled with multiomics techniques have helped elucidate the pathomechanisms underlying this disease. In particular, omics approaches are powerful tools for identifying new potential disease biomarkers that may be particularly useful for diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of treatment response. In turn, these findings could support physicians in stratifying patients into clinically relevant subgroups for the identification of the best therapeutic targets. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the most relevant literature highlighting the importance of proteomics approaches in determining the role of pathogenic misfolded/aggregated proteins and the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, we explored new findings arising from metabolomic and lipidomic studies, which can aid to elucidate the intricate metabolic alterations underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathology. Moreover, we integrated these insights with microbiomics data, providing a thorough understanding of the interplay between metabolic dysregulation and microbial dynamics in disease progression. Indeed, a greater integration of these multiomics data could lead to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, supporting the development of specific therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Molecular variations to the proteome of zebrafish larvae induced by environmentally relevant copper concentrations

Contaminants are increasingly accumulating in aquatic environments and biota, with potential adverse effects on individual organisms, communities and ecosystems. However, studies that explore the molecular changes in fish caused by environmentally relevant concentrations of metals, such as copper (Cu), are limited. This study uses embryos of the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) to investigate effect of Cu on the proteome and amino acid (AA) composition of fish. Wild-type embryos at 24 h post-fertilisation were exposed to Cu (2 µg L-1 to 120 µg L-1) for 96 h and the number of healthy larvae were determined based on larvae that had hatched and did not display loss of equilibrium (LOE). The effect concentrations where Cu caused a 10 % (EC10) or 50 % (EC50) decrease in the number of healthy larvae were calculated as 3.7 µg L-1 and 10.9 µg L-1, respectively. Proteomics analysis of embryos exposed to the EC10 and EC50 concentrations of Cu revealed the proteome to differ more strongly after 48 h than 96 h, suggesting the acclimatisation of some larvae. Exposure to excess Cu caused differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in oxidative stress, mitochondrial respiration, and neural transduction as well as the modulation of the AAs (Proline, Glycine and Alanine). This is the first study to suggest that LOE displayed by Cu-stressed fish may involve the disruption to GABAergic proteins and the calcium-dependent inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Moreover, this study highlights that proteomics and AA analysis can be used to identify potential biomarkers for environmental monitoring.

The Effects of Long-term, Low-dose β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) Exposures in Adult SODG93R Transgenic Zebrafish

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.

Freshwater Cyanobacterial Toxins, Cyanopeptides and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of structurally diverse cyanotoxins and bioactive cyanopeptides in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The health significance of these metabolites, which include genotoxic- and neurotoxic agents, is confirmed by continued associations between the occurrence of animal and human acute toxic events and, in the long term, by associations between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. Major mechanisms related to the neurotoxicity of cyanobacteria compounds include (1) blocking of key proteins and channels; (2) inhibition of essential enzymes in mammalian cells such as protein phosphatases and phosphoprotein phosphatases as well as new molecular targets such as toll-like receptors 4 and 8. One of the widely discussed implicated mechanisms includes a misincorporation of cyanobacterial non-proteogenic amino acids. Recent research provides evidence that non-proteinogenic amino acid BMAA produced by cyanobacteria have multiple effects on translation process and bypasses the proof-reading ability of the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase. Aberrant proteins generated by non-canonical translation may be a factor in neuronal death and neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that the production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is a more general mechanism, leading to mistranslation, affecting protein homeostasis, and targeting mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It can be evolutionarily ancient and initially developed to control phytoplankton communities during algal blooms. Outcompeting gut symbiotic microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, a shift in blood-brain-barrier functionality, and eventually, mitochondrial dysfunction in high-energy demanding neurons. A better understanding of the interaction between cyanopeptides metabolism and the nervous system will be crucial to target or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acid β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA): Bioactivity and Ecological Significance

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.

The Cyanotoxin 2,4-DAB Reduces Viability and Causes Behavioral and Molecular Dysfunctions Associated with Neurodegeneration in Larval Zebrafish

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.

An Overview of Zebrafish Modeling Methods in Drug Discovery and Development

Animal studies are recognized as a significant step forward in the bridging between drug discovery and clinical applications. Animal models, due to their relative genetic, molecular, physiological, and even anatomical similarities to humans, can provide a suitable platform for unraveling the mechanisms underlying human diseases and discovering new therapeutic approaches as well. Recently, zebrafish has attracted attention as a valuable experimental and pharmacological model in drug discovery and development studies due to its prominent characteristics such as the high degree of genetic similarity with humans, genetic manipulability, and prominent clinical features. Since advancing a theory to a valid and reliable observation requires the manipulation of animals, it is, therefore, essential to use efficient modeling methods appropriate to the different aspects of experimental conditions. In this context, applying several various approaches such as using chemicals, pathogens, and genetic manipulation approaches allows zebrafish development into a preferable model that mimics some human disease pathophysiology. Thus, such modeling approaches not only can provide a framework for a comprehensive understanding of the human disease mechanisms that have a counterpart in zebrafish but also can pave the way for discovering new drugs that are accompanied by higher amelioration effects on different human diseases.

Marine Neurotoxins' Effects on Environmental and Human Health: An OMICS Overview

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.

Reintroduction of DJ-1 in Müller Cells Inhibits Retinal Degeneration in the DJ-1 Deficient Retina

The eye is continuously under oxidative stress due to high metabolic activity and reactive oxygen species generated by daily light exposure. The redox-sensitive protein DJ-1 has proven to be essential in order to protect retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from oxidative-stress-induced degeneration. Here, we analyzed the specific role of Müller cell DJ-1 in the adult zebrafish retina by re-establishing Müller-cell-specific DJ-1 expression in a DJ-1 knockout retina. Loss of DJ-1 resulted in an age-dependent retinal degeneration, including loss of cells in the ganglion cell layer, retinal thinning, photoreceptor disorganization and RPE cell dysfunction. The degenerative phenotype induced by the absence of DJ-1 was inhibited by solely expressing DJ-1 in Müller cells. The protective effect was dependent upon the cysteine-106 residue of DJ-1, which has been shown to be an oxidative sensor of DJ-1. In a label-free proteomics analysis of isolated retinas, we identified proteins differentially expressed after DJ-1 knockout, but with restored levels after Müller cell DJ-1 re-insertion. Our data show that Müller cell DJ-1 has a major role in protecting the retina from age-dependent oxidative stress.

Advantages of omics technology for evaluating cadmium toxicity in zebrafish

In the last decade, several advancements have been made in omics technologies and they have been applied extensively in diverse research areas. Especially in toxicological research, omics technology can efficiently and accurately generate relevant data on the molecular dynamics associated with adverse outcomes. Toxicomics is defined as the combination of toxicology and omics technologies and encompasses toxicogenomics, toxicoproteomics, and toxicometabolomics. This paper reviews the trend of applying omics technologies to evaluate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in zebrafish (D. rerio). Cd is a toxic heavy metal posing several environmental concerns; however, it is being used widely in everyday life. Zebrafish embryos and larvae are employed as standard models for many toxicity tests because they share 71.4% genetic homology with humans. This study summarizes the toxicity of Cd on the nerves, liver, heart, skeleton, etc. of zebrafish and introduces detailed omics techniques to understand the results of the toxicomic studies. Finally, the trend of toxicity evaluation in the zebrafish model of Cd based on omics technology is presented.

Native Ubiquitin Structural Changes Resulting from Complexation with β-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA)

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 Ų) to an unfolded state (∼1400 Ų) 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.

BMAA and MCLR Interact to Modulate Behavior and Exacerbate Molecular Changes Related to Neurodegeneration in Larval Zebrafish

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.

The First Proteomics Study of Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 Exposed to Cyanotoxin BMAA under Nitrogen Starvation

The oldest prokaryotic photoautotrophic organisms, cyanobacteria, produce many different metabolites. Among them is the water-soluble neurotoxic non-protein amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), whose biological functions in cyanobacterial metabolism are of fundamental scientific and practical interest. An early BMAA inhibitory effect on nitrogen fixation and heterocyst differentiation was shown in strains of diazotrophic cyanobacteria Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, Nostocpunctiforme PCC 73102 (ATCC 29133), and Nostoc sp. strain 8963 under conditions of nitrogen starvation. Herein, we present a comprehensive proteomic study of Nostoc (also called Anabaena) sp. PCC 7120 in the heterocyst formation stage affecting by BMAA treatment under nitrogen starvation conditions. BMAA disturbs proteins involved in nitrogen and carbon metabolic pathways, which are tightly co-regulated in cyanobacteria cells. The presented evidence shows that exogenous BMAA affects a key nitrogen regulatory protein, PII (GlnB), and some of its protein partners, as well as glutamyl-tRNA synthetase gltX and other proteins that are involved in protein synthesis, heterocyst differentiation, and nitrogen metabolism. By taking into account the important regulatory role of PII, it becomes clear that BMAA has a severe negative impact on the carbon and nitrogen metabolism of starving Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 cells. BMAA disturbs carbon fixation and the carbon dioxide concentrating mechanism, photosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism. Stress response proteins and DNA repair enzymes are upregulated in the presence of BMAA, clearly indicating severe intracellular stress. This is the first proteomic study of the effects of BMAA on diazotrophic starving cyanobacteria cells, allowing a deeper insight into the regulation of the intracellular metabolism of cyanobacteria by this non-protein amino acid.

Usability of the bivalves Dreissena polymorpha and Anodonta anatina for a biosurvey of the neurotoxin BMAA in freshwater ecosystems

The environmental neurotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) may represent a risk for human health in case of chronic exposure or after short-term exposure during embryo development. BMAA accumulates in freshwater and marine organisms consumed by humans. It is produced by marine and freshwater phytoplankton species, but the range of producers remains unknown. Therefore, analysing the phytoplankton composition is not sufficient to inform about the risk of freshwater contamination by BMAA. Filter-feeders mussels have accumulation capacities and therefore appear to be relevant to monitor various pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. We investigated the suitability of the freshwater mussels Dreissena polymorpha and Anodonta anatina for monitoring BMAA in water. Both species were exposed to 1, 10, and 50 μg of dissolved BMAA/L daily for 21 days, followed by 42 days of depuration in clean water. On days 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21 of exposure and 1, 7, 14, 21 and 42 of depuration, whole D. polymorpha and digestive glands of A. anatina were sampled, and the total BMAA concentration was measured. D. polymorpha accumulated BMAA earlier (from day 1 at all concentrations) and at higher tissue concentrations than A. anatina, which accumulated BMAA from day 14 when exposed to 10 μg BMAA/L and from day 7 when exposed to 50 μg BMAA/L. As BMAA accumulation by D. polymorpha was time and concentration-dependent, with a significant elimination during the depuration period, this species may be able to reflect the levels and dynamics of water contamination by dissolved BMAA. The species A. anatina could be used for monitoring water concentrations above 10 μg BMAA/L.

Incorporation of the Nonproteinogenic Amino Acid β-Methylamino-alanine Affects Amyloid β Fibril Properties and Toxicity

The nonproteinogenic amino acid β-methylamino alarelevant example for environmental hazards are nonnine (BMAA) is a neurotoxin and represents a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite intense research over the last years, the pathological mechanism of BMAA is still unclear. One of the main open questions is whether BMAA can be misincorporated into proteins, especially as a substitute for serine, and whether this has structural and functional consequences for the afflicted proteins leading to early onset neurodegeneration. In this study, we hypothesize that BMAA was indeed incorporated into Aβ₄₀ molecules and study the structural and dynamical consequences of such misincorporation along with the effect such mutated Aβ₄₀ peptides have on neuronal cells. We used the synthetic β-amyloid peptide (Aβ₄₀), a known key player in the development of Alzheimer's disease, to incorporate BMAA substitutions at three different positions in the peptide sequence: Ser₈BMAA at the peptide's N-terminus, Phe₁₉BMAA in the hydrophobic core region, and S₂₆BMAA in the flexible turn region of Aβ₄₀ fibrils. We performed a set of biophysical experiments including fluorescence, circular dichroism, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction to investigate structural and functional aspects of the mutated peptides compared to wildtype Aβ₄₀. All variants showed high structural tolerance to BMAA misincorporation. In contrast, the cellular response and neuronal survival were affected in a mutation site-specific manner. As a consequence, we can state from the physicochemical point of view that, if BMAA was misincorporated into proteins, it could indeed represent a risk factor that could potentially play a role in neurodegeneration. Further research addressing the role of BMAA, especially its protein-associated form, should be performed to obtain a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and to develop new therapeutic strategies.

β-Methylamino-L-alanine substitution of serine in SOD1 suggests a direct role in ALS etiology

Exposure to the environmental toxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but its disease-promoting mechanism remains unknown. We propose that incorporation of BMAA into the ALS-linked protein Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) upon translation promotes protein misfolding and aggregation, which has been linked to ALS onset and progression. Using molecular simulation and predictive energetic computation, we demonstrate that substituting any serine with BMAA in SOD1 results in structural destabilization and aberrant dynamics, promoting neurotoxic SOD1 aggregation. We propose that translational incorporation of BMAA into SOD1 is directly responsible for its toxicity in neurodegeneration, and BMAA modification of SOD1 may serve as a biomarker of ALS.

Behavioral effects of the neurotoxin -N-methylamino- L-alanine on the mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) larvae

Mangrove rivulus, Kryptolebias marmoratus, is a hermaphrodite fish capable of self-fertilization. This particularity allows to naturally produce highly homozygous and isogenic individuals. Despite the low genetic diversity, rivulus can live in extremely variable environments and adjust its phenotype accordingly. This species represents a unique opportunity to clearly distinguish the genetic and non-genetic factors implicated in adaptation and evolution, such as epigenetic mechanisms. It is thus a great model in aquatic ecotoxicology to investigate the effects of xenobiotics on the epigenome, and their potential long-term impacts. In the present study, we used the mangrove rivulus to investigate the effects of the neurotoxin b-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) on larvae behaviors after 7 days exposure to two sub-lethal concentrations. Results show that BMAA can affect the maximal speed and prey capture (trials and failures), suggesting potential impacts on the organism’s fitness.

A novel integrated strategy for the detection and quantification of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in environmental samples

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.

Astroglial DJ-1 over-expression up-regulates proteins involved in redox regulation and is neuroprotective in vivo

DJ-1, a Parkinson's disease-associated protein, is strongly up-regulated in reactive astrocytes in Parkinson's disease. This is proposed to represent a neuronal protective response, although the mechanism has not yet been identified. We have generated a transgenic zebrafish line with increased astroglial DJ-1 expression driven by regulatory elements from the zebrafish GFAP gene. Larvae from this transgenic line are protected from oxidative stress-induced injuries as caused by MPP⁺, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor shown to induce dopaminergic cells death. In a global label-free proteomics analysis of wild type and transgenic larvae exposed to MPP⁺, 3418 proteins were identified, in which 366 proteins were differentially regulated. In particular, we identified enzymes belonging to primary metabolism to be among proteins affected by MPP⁺ in wild type animals, but not affected in the transgenic line. Moreover, by performing protein profiling on isolated astrocytes we showed that an increase in astrocytic DJ-1 expression up-regulated a large group of proteins associated with redox regulation, inflammation and mitochondrial respiration. The majority of these proteins have also been shown to be regulated by Nrf2. These findings provide a mechanistic insight into the protective role of astroglial up-regulation of DJ-1 and show that our transgenic zebrafish line with astrocytic DJ-1 over-expression can serve as a useful animal model to understand astrocyte-regulated neuroprotection associated with oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disease.

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Increases astrocytic proteins linked to oxidative stress regulation & inflammation.

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Protects from MPP⁺-induced changes in central metabolism and protein nitrosylation.

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Protects from MPP⁺-induced tyrosine hydroxylase loss and motor deficits.

Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) Mode of Action within the Neurodegenerative Pathway: Facts and Controversy

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.

Metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos by NMR spectroscopy reveals multifaceted toxicity of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA)

β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been linked to several interrelated neurodegenerative diseases. Despite considerable research, specific contributions of BMAA toxicity to neurodegenerative diseases remain to be fully resolved. In the present study, we utilized state-of-the-art high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR), applied to intact zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, as a model of vertebrate development, to elucidate changes in metabolic profiles associated with BMAA exposure. Complemented by several alternative analytical approaches (i.e., in vivo visualization and in vitro assay), HRMAS NMR identified robust and dose-dependent effect of BMAA on several relevant metabolic pathways suggesting a multifaceted toxicity of BMAA including: (1) localized production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the developing brain, consistent with excitotoxicity; (2) decreased protective capacity against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress including reduced taurine and glutathione; (3) inhibition of several developmentally stereotypical energetic and metabolic transitions, i.e., metabolic reprogramming; and (4) inhibition of lipid biosynthetic pathways. Matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry further identified specific effects on phospholipids linked to both neural development and neurodegeneration. Taken together, a unified model of the neurodevelopmental toxicity of BMAA in the zebrafish embryo is presented in relation to the potential contribution of BMAA to neurodegenerative disease.

Exposure to BMAA mirrors molecular processes linked to neurodegenerative disease

The goal of this study is to investigate the molecular pathways perturbed by in vitro exposure of beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) to NSC-34 cells via contemporary proteomics. Our analysis of differentially regulated proteins reveals significant enrichment (p < 0.01) of pathways related to ER stress, protein ubiquitination, the unfolded protein response, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Upstream regulator analysis indicates that exposure to BMAA induces activation of transcription factors (X-box binding protein 1; nuclear factor 2 erythroid like 2; promyelocytic leukemia) involved in regulation of the UPR, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence. Furthermore, the authors examine the hypothesis that BMAA causes protein damage via misincorporation in place of L-Serine. The authors are unable to detect misincorporation of BMAA into protein via analysis of cellular protein, secreted protein, targeted detection of BMAA after protein hydrolysis, or through the use of in vitro protein translation kits.

Zebrafish models in neuropsychopharmacology and CNS drug discovery

Despite the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, their aetiology and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a powerful animal model in neuropharmacology research and in vivo drug screening. Collectively, this makes zebrafish a useful tool for drug discovery and the identification of disordered molecular pathways. Here, we discuss zebrafish models of selected human neuropsychiatric disorders and drug-induced phenotypes. As well as covering a broad range of brain disorders (from anxiety and psychoses to neurodegeneration), we also summarize recent developments in zebrafish genetics and small molecule screening, which markedly enhance the disease modelling and the discovery of novel drug targets.

Creating a Simian Model of Guam ALS/PDC Which Reflects Chamorro Lifetime BMAA Exposures

The theory that β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a cyanobacterial toxin, contaminates traditional food supplies of the Chamorro people of Guam is supported by the recent finding that chronic dietary exposure to L-BMAA in vervets (Chlorocebus sabaeus) triggers the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and β-amyloid plaques in the brain. In the first experiment, we found that all four vervets receiving a 210 mg/kg dose for 140 days developed NFT and sparse amyloid deposits. In the second experiment, all eight vervets receiving a 210 mg/kg dose for 140 days developed NFT and amyloid deposits, as well as all eight vervets that received only 21 mg/kg. Based on dietary surveys of the Chamorro people, we estimated lifetime chronic BMAA exposure at a high and a low level: 1) adult male Chamorros eating two flying foxes per month plus one 30 g serving of cycad flour per week; and 2) adult male Chamorros eating one 30 g serving of cycad flour per day combined with the consumption of eight flying foxes per month. The resultant cumulative lifetime Chamorro exposures ranged from 1 to 41 g/kg and are comparable to the total lifetime vervet exposures in our experiments of 2 and 22 g/kg, respectively. Furthermore, measured protein-bound BMAA concentrations of vervets fed L-BMAA powder are comparable to measured protein-bound BMAA concentrations in postmortem brain tissues of Chamorros who died with ALS/PDC.

Zebrafish as a Vertebrate Model System to Evaluate Effects of Environmental Toxicants on Cardiac Development and Function

Environmental pollution is a serious problem of the modern world that possesses a major threat to public health. Exposure to environmental pollutants during embryonic development is particularly risky. Although many pollutants have been verified as potential toxicants, there are new chemicals in the environment that need assessment. Heart development is an extremely sensitive process, which can be affected by environmentally toxic molecule exposure during embryonic development. Congenital heart defects are the most common life-threatening global health problems, and the etiology is mostly unknown. The zebrafish has emerged as an invaluable model to examine substance toxicity on vertebrate development, particularly on cardiac development. The zebrafish offers numerous advantages for toxicology research not found in other model systems. Many laboratories have used the zebrafish to study the effects of widespread chemicals in the environment on heart development, including pesticides, nanoparticles, and various organic pollutants. Here, we review the uses of the zebrafish in examining effects of exposure to external molecules during embryonic development in causing cardiac defects, including chemicals ubiquitous in the environment and illicit drugs. Known or potential mechanisms of toxicity and how zebrafish research can be used to provide mechanistic understanding of cardiac defects are discussed.