Cellular Effects of Cylindrospermopsin (Cyanobacterial Alkaloid Toxin) and its Potential Medical Consequences
2017
Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a tricyclic guanidino alkaloid toxin produced by
several cyanobacterial genera. It alters cellular functioning in eukaryotes, including animal
and plant organisms. Over the past decades, more and more evidence shows its potential hazardous
effects on animal and human health. In this review, we give a critical survey and interpretation
of data currently available on its biochemical and consequently, cellular effects.
CYN is considered to be a cytotoxin. Several reports suggest that it is a potent inhibitor of eukaryotic
protein synthesis, though the exact mechanisms are not completely understood. Here
we show that the biochemical changes induced by CYN are complex, possibly involving multiple
modes of action. Glutathione metabolism and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis is affected
besides the proposed protein synthesis inhibition. Biochemical alterations lead to the following
cellular/subcellular alterations both in animals and plants: (i) changes in cell division rates
due to perturbations in chromatin and cytoskeleton; (ii) perturbations of structure and functioning
of endomembranes including endoplasmic reticulum; (iii) general metabolic alterations
leading to genotoxicity and programmed cell death/apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms
and possible health consequences are discussed.
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