Protective role of metallothionein against copper depletion

The cytotoxicity of mercury chloride to the keratinocytes is associated with metallothionein expression

“…Richards et al (43) and McCormick et al (44) demonstrated that plasma zinc concentrations were related to MT expression, further suggesting an association with cellular zinc homeostasis. Ogra et al (41) demonstrated that cell viability was significantly decreased in MT-null cells compared to wild-type cells by Cu(I)-specific chelator treatment (41). They also showed that MT expression levels were increased by Cu(I)-specific chelator treatment in wild-type cells.…”

“…Kramer et al (38) demonstrated that MT may be induced by Hg +2 in neuronal cells and induced MT decreases the rate of metal binding to other structures, providing protection against metal toxicity (39). Apart from Hg, MT also plays a role in the homeostasis of essential metals such as Zn and Cu, the detoxication of toxic metals such as Cadmium (Cd) and protection against oxidative stress (40)(41)(42). Richards et al (43) and McCormick et al (44) demonstrated that plasma zinc concentrations were related to MT expression, further suggesting an association with cellular zinc homeostasis.…”

Cellular glutathione plays a key role in copper uptake mediated by human copper transporter 1

“…The copper chaperones CCS, ATOX1, and Cox 17 specifically deliver copper to ATP7A and ATP7B, SOD, and Sco1/Cox 11, respectively (21,23,45,47). Metallothionine proteins (4 human isoforms) are believed to store and/or buffer excess copper in vivo (39). In addition to proteins, the thiolcontaining tripeptide GSH is highly abundant in the cytoplasm and is known to bind transported copper in vivo (9,18).…”

Research Tools and Techniques for Copper Metabolism in Mammals

“…100,101) Although BCS is not used for Cu toxicosis in the clinical setting, it can induce to the Cu deficiency in cultured cells. 35) The effect of BCS on Alzheimer's disease was evaluated. 102) …”

“…Thus, MTs may play a dual role in Cu homeostasis in mammalian cells. 35) The fourth group includes a novel type of Curegulating protein that was recently characterized, i.e., Cu metabolism gene Murr1 (mouse U2af1-rs1 region 1) domain 1 (Commd1). 36) Although it does not have any apparent Cu + -binding motifs in its molecule unlike the Cu-regulating proteins in the first three groups, it is reported that Commd1 binds Cu 2+ 37, 38) and is implicated in the Cu efflux pathway by cooperating with Atp7b.…”