Abstract
Publisher Summary Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight and cysteine-rich intracellular proteins that bind both essential (zinc and copper) and toxic (cadmium and mercury) metals with high affinity. They have no known enzymatic activity and are not essential, but their induced synthesis is important in the detoxification of toxic metals, and also protection against reactive-free radicals. The many nucleophilic thiol-rich groups in MT can react with various electrophilic chemicals, can participate in controlling the intracellular redox potential, and may scavenge free radicals generated during the metabolism of xenobiotics. In addition, the induction of MT synthesis in oxidative stress and exposure to various organic compounds, anticancer drugs, and ionizing radiation suggests a role for MT in protection against free radical toxicity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
