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Metallothionein in Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Metals

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Cytotoxic, Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Potential of Heavy Metals Related to Human Environment

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((ASEN2,volume 26))

Abstract

Humans are exposed to metals, both essential and non-essential from a variety of sources in the environment. Several metal ions are essential for humans because they play a vital role in important biological functions. Because of their charge, metal ions can easily form complexes with various ligands such as amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. These interactions are essential not only for the biological functions of metals, but also for protection against their toxicity. The presence of metals in active sites of certain enzymes can facilitate oxido-reductive and group transfer reactions. In addition, the formation of complexes of metals can influence their solubility, transport through cellular membranes, excretion, and storage. Metals can also affect the expression of certain genes, especially after binding to specific transcription factors. Some of these interactions are specific while others are more general. In certain cases, the direct recognition signals, conferred by specific metal-binding sites on cell membranes, can result in signal transduction reactions in specific organs. A number of metals, particularly from industrial sources, are non-essential and are toxic to cells and the whole organism. This review will discuss the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of certain metals and the protective role of metal-binding proteins, such as metallothionein, in metal toxicity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1

    M. George Cherian & Peter J. Ferguson

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  1. M. George Cherian
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  2. Peter J. Ferguson
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Inorganic and General Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

    Nick D. Hadjiliadis

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Cherian, M.G., Ferguson, P.J. (1997). Metallothionein in Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Metals. In: Hadjiliadis, N.D. (eds) Cytotoxic, Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Potential of Heavy Metals Related to Human Environment. NATO ASI Series, vol 26. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5780-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5780-3_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-6440-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-5780-3

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