Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of metallothioneins

Abstract

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular weight cysteine- and metal-rich proteins with unquestionable metal binding capacity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and a clear involvement in diverse physiological actions as inhibition of proapoptotic mechanisms, enhancement of cell survival, and tissue regeneration. Concurrent with this wide array of functions, MT-1/2 have been implicated in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. The zinc binding capacity and antioxidant properties of MTs may account for most of their physiological features in the brain. However, some receptor-mediated actions of MT-1/2 have also been reported recently, a subject to be fully elucidated. This review analyses and updates the current knowledge on the actions of MTs related to neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in an effort to distinguish receptor-mediated actions of MTs from those arising from its zinc binding capacity and its antioxidant properties.

Bioinorganic Chemistry of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Due to the protective role of MT against apoptosis, 575,576 its role in zinc-and copper-homeostasis 327 and the central nervous system, 464,577,578 and the abnormal MT expression in AD brains, 579,580 MT is now appreciated as playing a significant, yet poorly understood role in AD.…”

Tissue-specificity and phylogenetics of Pl-MT mRNA during Paracentrotus lividus embryogenesis

“…Definitely, MTs are involved in the uptake, distribution, storage and release of essential metals, as zinc and copper, necessary for a number of vital cellular functions. In addition, some studies suggest that MTs may contribute in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis, as well as in neuro-protection and neuro-degeneration mechanisms (Rana, 2008;Santos et al, 2012;Shimoda et al, 2003).…”

C-Phycocyanin protects against acute tributyltin chloride neurotoxicity by modulating glial cell activity along with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory property: A comparative efficacy evaluation with N-acetyl cysteine in adult rat brain

“…Beneficial 69 effect of CPC (and/or its source spirulina) has been observed in var- 70 ious human disease models like Parkinson's [9], Multiple Sclerosis 71 [10] and Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis [11]. CPC was also found to 72 confer protection in experimentally induced neurodegeneration 73 models of kainate and monosodium glutamate exposure [12,13]. 74 CPC was found to alter the expression of NMDA and inflammatory 75 genes [14] and dietary intake of Spirulina was found to be benefi- 76 cial in ischemic condition [15].…”

“…735 To understand the protective efficacy of CPC and NAC on differ-736 ent cell types, their specific markers were monitored by Western 737 blotting (Fig. 7a) neuro-regenerative effect [73].…”