Metallochaperones

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Metallochaperones are a distinct class of molecular chaperones that facilitate the intracellular transport of metal ions to different metalloproteins, e.g. metalloenzymes, in cells through specific protein-protein interactions. [1] In this way, for example, 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 special molecules contribute to the intracellular homeostatic control of biometal ions. [3]

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References

  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. PMID   12079778.
  2. 1 2 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. 1 2 Sekhon, Bhupinder Singh (2010-05-01). "Metallochaperones - an Overview". Current Chemical Biology. 4 (2): 173–186. doi:10.2174/2212796811004020173 . Retrieved 2019-01-21.