title: Conformational analysis of the effects of methylmercury on nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor.
abstract: Methylmercury is a neurotoxicant that is detrimental to the development and physiology of the nervous system. One possible mechanism for methylmercury's toxicity stems from its ability to interfere with the signaling of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor. In this study, we examine the effect of methylmercury to determine if it interferes with neurotrophin conformation in a manner similar to Hg(2+), or if it occurs via an alternate mechanism. Our findings indicate that although MeHg inhibits neurotrophin signaling, its toxic effects are not mediated via an induced conformational change, as seen with other metal ions, including Hg(2+).
authors.affiliation: Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 2C6.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Colquhoun
authors.forename: Joseph K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Eibl
authors.forename: Karmen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Krol
authors.forename: Hing Man
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Ross