Cyanobacterial Toxins: Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Activity, Molecular Targets and Chemical Interactions

Cyanobacteria are becoming a global environmental and human health problem as cyanobacterial blooms are increasing in frequency and magnitude worldwide, due to progressive eutrophication of water bodies and climate change. They produce a wide range of bioactive compounds including highly toxic cyanotoxins. Concern about their potential adverse effects, particularly after chronic exposure to low doses has been raised as humans can be exposed to cyanotoxins over a significant portion of their life span, with children being at higher risk for illnesses development. The mechanisms behind the toxic effects of cyanotoxins differ according to their chemical structure and molecular targets. In order to set the appropriate safety measures for the protection of human and animal health, as well as the environment throughout, toxicological evaluation of the emerging cyanotoxins (e.g., microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, nodularins, microginins, BMAA, etc.) is urgently needed. This Special Issue will highlight research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the geno/toxic activity of cyanotoxins in the form of pure compounds and complex mixtures of several cyanotoxins. Moreover, papers describing novel predictive biomarkers of cyanotoxin geno/toxic effects identified by traditional toxicological approaches correlated to ‘omics‘ data are welcome.

Dr. Bojana Žegura
Dr. Alja Štern
Guest Editors

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