The coordination chemistry of aluminium in neurodegenerative disease

The coordination chemistry of a metal ion defines its optimal association with a biomolecule such that its binding by specific ligands on that molecule confers function and biological purpose. Aluminium is a nonessential metal with no known biological role which means that its coordination neurochemistry defines aluminium's putative role in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. In examining this chemistry it is found that very little is known about the complexes formed and ligands involved in aluminium's interactions with neurochemically-relevant ligands. Aluminium's action as a pro-oxidant as well as an excitotoxin are highlighted while the evidence for its interactions with amyloid beta, tau and DNA are discussed and it is concluded that it is too early to discount these ligands as targets for the neurotoxicity of aluminium. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.