Metallothioneins against metal toxicity and as biomarker in marine organisms

Abstract

nvertebrate metallothioneins (MT) provide an attractive system for studying the protective mechanisms of metal toxicity in aquatic organisms, and have use as biomarkers for meta \ exposure. Like mammalian MT, certain basal levels of MT are found in fish and invertebrates, depending on their developmental stage and exposure to excessive amounts of metals. They are inducible proteins and have:protective effects against metal toxicity because of their high affinity for metals like zinc, copper, cadmium and mercury. Chemical properties, biological functions, protective role against metal toxicity and the potentia! use of MT as a biomarker of metal pollution in aquatic organisms are reviewed.