Fungal-derived semiochemical 1-octen-3-ol disrupts dopamine packaging and causes neurodegeneration

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1318830110
• Publication Date: 2013-11-12T04:48:45Z
• Authors: Arati A. Inamdar; Muhammad M. Hossain; Alison I. Bernstein; Gary W. Miller; Jason R. Richardson; Joan Wennstrom Be...
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Analysis of Variance; Octanols; Microscopy, Confocal; Dopamine; Dopaminergic Neurons; Movement; Pheromones; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Nerve Degeneration; Animals; Drosophila; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

Significance

Poor air quality from fungal growth in water-damaged, moldy buildings/residences is correlated with a negative impact on human health. The volatile organic compound 1-octen-3-ol is commonly emitted by molds and is responsible for much of the distinctive moldy odor associated with fungal colonization. Using a Drosophila model, we demonstrate via genetic, biochemical, and immunological studies that 1-octen-3-ol causes dopamine neuron degeneration through disruption of dopamine handling. These data demonstrate that 1-octen-3-ol exerts toxicity via disruption of dopamine homeostasis and may represent a naturally occurring environmental agent involved in parkinsonism. Moreover, it provides possible insights into reported movement disorders associated with human exposure to fungi and their volatile organic compounds.