Metallothionein synthesis and degradation: relationship to cadmium metabolism

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.7928131· OSTI ID:6852101

Cousins, R J

Metallothionein is an integral component of the mechanism that regulates the metabolism of cadmium and zinc. The metallothionein mRNA content of liver polysomes is increased shortly after an influx of small amounts of either metal into hepatocytes. After sufficient amounts of this poly (A+) RNA have been synthesized, there is a concomitant increase in metallothionein biosynthesis and metal binding. Unlike synthesis, the degradation of metallothionein is markedly influenced by the species of metal bound. Moreover, while the polypeptide chains of cadmium metallothionein are degraded, it appears that liberated cadmium ions are quickly incorporated into nascent chains of thionein. The latter explains why the cadmium content of liver and kidney increases with age and environmental exposure.

• Research Organization: State Univ. of New Jersey, New Brunswick
• OSTI ID: 6852101
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 28; ISSN EVHPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560301* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Cells-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
BIODEGRADATION
BIOSYNTHESIS
BODY
CADMIUM
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
GLANDS
KIDNEYS
LIVER
MESSENGER-RNA
METABOLISM
METALS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANOIDS
ORGANS
PHARMACOLOGY
PROTEINS
RIBOSOMES
RNA
SYNTHESIS
ZINC