Cyanobacteria and BMAA - an environmental threat to human health?
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?Cyanobacteria are highly important primary producers; being photoautotrophic (fix C) and often diazotrophic (fix nitrogen). The production of bioactive compounds such as toxins is a well-known feature among cyanobacteria and is known in many cases to be hazardous for human as well as animals. We recently discovered and reported that the cyanotoxin β-N-metylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), which has a possible link to neurodegenerative diseases (such as ALS, Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s diseases), is produced by globally spread cyanobacteria (PNAS 2005, 102:5074-5078).Our data suggest that BMAA is produced by cyanobacteria living in different plant symbioses, and perhaps more importantly, in the majority of free-living cyanobacteria. Some of the studied isolate were collected from our nearby environment, e.g. cyanobacteria collected from the Baltic Sea and from lichens. Cyanobacterial produced BMAA may potentially therefore occur in Swedish lakes (acting as drinking water reservoirs), brackish waters (the Baltic Sea), marine habitats (west coast) as well as in terrestrial boreal ecosystems.
BMAA produced by cyanobacteria may also bioaccumulate via food-webs to higher trophic levels, including those used for human consumption, such as fish and reindeer. In addition, since increasing temperatures (“global warming”) is expected to promote the mass-accumulation of cyanobacteria, e.g. in the oceans and in the Baltic Sea, it is important to investigate the occurrence of BMAA in our nearby environment, as well as its potential health risks.
HOW CAN THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION ?
The aim of our research is to i) screen for and identify BMAA producing cyanobacteria in natural habitats, ii) monitor their BMAA production (excreted and in cells), and to iii) search for bioaccumulation of BMAA at higher trophy levels in various aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
This research will reveal if and how extensive the BMAA production is and if bioaccumulation occurs in potential food products in our environment. If this is the case and if there is a link between the toxin and neurodegenerative diseases, proper actions need to be taken. This includes decreasing pollution of the Baltic Sea, restraining cyanobacterial blooms, and developing warning systems to minimize human exposure. Sensitive early warning systems should be developed.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM OUR RESULTS?
The research proposed requires interdisciplinary efforts, and the research presented will be of great scientific relevance and of relevance for our society, linking to the environment, toxicology, water, food and medicine.
