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Abstract
Metallobiologists have, at large, neglected soil dwelling invertebrates; exceptions are the nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and snails (Helix pomatia and Cantareus aspersus). This review aims to compare and contrast the molecular, protein and cellular mechanisms of the multifunctional nematode and snail metallothioneins (MTs). The C. elegans genome contains two MT genes, mtl-1, which is constitutively expressed in the pharynx and likely to act as an essential and/or toxic metal sensor, and mtl-2, which plays a negligible role under normal physiological conditions but is strongly induced (as mtl-1) in intestinal cells upon metal exposure. It has been possible to follow the intricate phenotypic responses upon the knockdown/knockout of single and multiple MT isoforms and we have started to decipher the multifunctional role of C. elegans MTs. The snails have contributed to our understanding regarding MT evolution and diversity, structure and metal-specific functionality. The H. pomatia and C. aspersus genomes contain at least three MT isoform genes. CdMT is responsible for cadmium detoxification, CuMT is involved in copper homeostasis and Cd/CuMT is a putative ancestral MT possibly only of minor importance in metal metabolism. Further investigations of nematode, snail and other invertebrate MTs will allow the development of alternative biomarker approaches and lead to an improved understanding of metallobiology, protein evolution and toxicogenomics.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1057-1065 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2011 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Nematode and snail metallothioneins'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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MRC-HPA Centre for Environment and Health
Kelly, F. (Primary Investigator) & Elliot, P. (Co-Investigator)
1/09/2008 → 31/05/2019
Project: Research