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. In this way, for example, the proteins ensure that the correct metal ion cofactor is acquired by its corresponding metalloenzyme. 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.
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. Today, it is well established that these special molecules contribute to the intracellular homeostatic control of biometal ions.
References
- 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Sekhon, Bhupinder Singh (2010-05-01). "Metallochaperones - an Overview". Current Chemical Biology. 4 (2): 173–186. doi:10.2174/2212796811004020173. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
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