Engineered Protein Could Prevent Brain Damage from Poisonous Chemicals

Military troops often come into contact with poisonous chemicals that could increase the risk of brain damage.

To combat this potential health problem, researchers are examining proteins that could potentially degrade the toxic chemicals that frequently surround those in war zones.

Previous studies have found that low-level exposure to organophosphates can damage the brain as well as the nervous system. Furthermore, a 2012 study conducted by Dr. Mackenzie Ross of the university found a significant link between chemical exposure and impaired cognitive function.

"Organophosphates pose tremendous danger to people and wildlife," said Prof. Montclare in the latest study, via Medical News Today, "and sadly it's not unusual for humans to come into contact with these compounds, whether through exposure to pesticide or an intentional chemical warfare attack."

For this study, researchers at the NYU School of Engineering and NYU's Department of Biology and Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences examined process centers on proteins called phosphotriesterases. These proteins harbor the unique ability to degrade chemicals in the organophosphate class that's found in everything from industrial pesticides to the sarin gas used in chemical warfare.

"Oftentimes, chemical agent stockpiles are decommissioned through processes that involve treatment with heat and caustic chemical reagents for neutralization, followed by hazardous materials disposal," Montclare added. "These proteins could accomplish that same task enzymatically, without the need for reactors and formation of dangerous byproducts."

In the future, researchers said they hope to develope therapeautic uses for the modified protein. 

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal ChemBioChem.