Role of Metallothionein in Regulating Heavy Metal Detoxification and Tissue-Specific Accumulation in the Kidney, Liver, and Bone of Small Mammals
Marek Dvořák
Department of Life Science, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, Ostrava, 702 00, Czech Republic.
Ioana Marinescu
Keywords: cadmium, heavy metal detoxification, metallothionein, metal homeostasis, tissue-specific accumulation, zinc
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) plays a pivotal role in heavy metal detoxification and homeostasis in small mammals, significantly influencing tissue-specific accumulation in organs such as the kidney, liver, and bone. This paper explores MT's involvement in the regulation and detoxification of essential and non-essential heavy metals, including zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead. The mechanisms underlying MT expression, induction, and interaction with heavy metals are discussed, along with its protective functions in metal homeostasis and cytotoxicity mitigation. Emphasis is placed on tissue-specific expression patterns in the kidney, liver, and bone, as these organs are primary sites of metal accumulation and toxicity. In the liver, MT's role extends to metal sequestration and excretion, while in the kidney, MT is critical for protecting renal cells from metal-induced damage. In bones, MT facilitates the storage of metals, influencing skeletal health. Understanding MT's regulatory functions in these tissues sheds light on the physiological and pathological responses to heavy metal exposure, providing insights into environmental risk assessment and therapeutic interventions for metal toxicity.
