JSOT-KSOT Exchange Promotion Program: Elucidation of novel molecular mechanisms involved in the reduction of methylmercury toxicity by using metabolomic analysis

Abstract

Methylmercury is an environmental pollutant that can cause severe central nervous system disorders. However, the mechanism of methylmercury toxicity and the biological defense against it have not been clarified yet. Examining the effects of methylmercury on the concentrations of low molecular weight metabolites may help us to understand how methylmercury affects the brain. We performed an exhaustive metabolomic analysis and found that changing levels of many metabolites in the mouse brain in response to methylmercury. Moreover, administration of methylmercury to mice has been found to increase the levels of putrescine, a type of polyamine, specifically in brains, a phenomenon considered to be a protective response to neuronal toxicity caused by methylmercury.