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Does α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid (BMAA) play a role in neurodegeneration?

Alexander S Chiu1, Michelle M Gehringer, Jeffrey H Welch

  • 1The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. a.chiu@student.unsw.edu.au

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid (BMAA) is a ubiquitous neurotoxin linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS/PDC. Research indicates BMAA adversely affects neural tissues, primarily motor neurons, through excitotoxicity, necessitating further study on exposure limits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The cyanobacterial neurotoxin α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid (BMAA) is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, notably amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinson's disease complex (ALS/PDC) in Guam.
  • BMAA is ubiquitous, found in diverse environmental settings and produced by cyanobacteria globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the neurotoxicity of BMAA.
  • To assess BMAA's potential role in neurodegenerative disease etiology.
  • To highlight the need for further research into BMAA's toxicity mechanisms and exposure limits.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo studies in rats, mice, chicks, and monkeys demonstrated neurotoxic symptoms.
  • Zebrafish research indicated disruptions in neural development.
  • In vitro studies on mice, rats, and leeches focused on motor neuron effects.

Main Results:

  • BMAA exposure caused neurodegenerative symptoms including ataxia and convulsions in animal models.
  • Studies revealed BMAA primarily targets motor neurons.
  • Mechanisms involve increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca(2+) influx, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity leading to neuronal death.

Conclusions:

  • BMAA exhibits significant neurotoxic potential, adversely affecting neural tissues.
  • BMAA is implicated as a potential factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Further research is crucial to understand BMAA's toxicity pathways and establish safe environmental exposure levels.
Keywords:
ALSAlzheimer’sBMAAPDCParkinson’scyanobacteriacycadexcitotoxicityglianeuralneurodegenerationneurontoxicology

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