The Role of Metallothionein in Oxidative Stress

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2013 Mar 19

PMID 23502468

Citations 268

Authors

Branislav Ruttkay-Nedecky

Lukas Nejdl

Jaromir Gumulec

Ondrej Zitka

Michal Masarik

Tomas Eckschlager

Marie Stiborova

Vojtech Adam

Rene Kizek

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Free radicals are chemical particles containing one or more unpaired electrons, which may be part of the molecule. They cause the molecule to become highly reactive. The free radicals are also known to play a dual role in biological systems, as they can be either beneficial or harmful for living systems. It is clear that there are numerous mechanisms participating on the protection of a cell against free radicals. In this review, our attention is paid to metallothioneins (MTs) as small, cysteine-rich and heavy metal-binding proteins, which participate in an array of protective stress responses. The mechanism of the reaction of metallothioneins with oxidants and electrophilic compounds is discussed. Numerous reports indicate that MT protects cells from exposure to oxidants and electrophiles, which react readily with sulfhydryl groups. Moreover, MT plays a key role in regulation of zinc levels and distribution in the intracellular space. The connections between zinc, MT and cancer are highlighted.

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