Metallochaperones

Summary

Metallochaperones are a distinct class of molecular chaperones that facilitate intracellular transport of metal ions to metalloproteins, e.g. metalloenzymes, in cells through specific protein-protein interactions.[1] In this way, the proteins ensure that the correct metal ion cofactor is acquired by its corresponding metalloenzyme.[2] Metallochaperones are essential to the proper functioning of cells, playing a vital role in a large number of biological processes including, for example, respiration, photosynthesis, neurotransmission, and protein folding.[3]

Prior to the discovery of metallochaperones in the late 1990s, biologists believed that metal ions freely diffused within cells without the aid of auxiliary proteins.[2] Today, it is well established that these molecules contribute to the intracellular homeostatic control of biometal ions.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ Rosenzweig, Amy C (2002-06-01). "Metallochaperones: Bind and Deliver". Chemistry & Biology. 9 (6): 673–677. doi:10.1016/S1074-5521(02)00156-4. ISSN 1074-5521.
  2. ^ a b Finney LA, O'Halloran TV (2003-05-09). "Transition metal speciation in the cell: insights from the chemistry of metal ion receptors". Science. 300 (5621): 931–6. Bibcode:2003Sci...300..931F. doi:10.1126/science.1085049. PMID 12738850. S2CID 14863354.
  3. ^ a b Sekhon, Bhupinder Singh (2010-05-01). "Metallochaperones - an Overview". Current Chemical Biology. Retrieved 2019-01-21.