University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Metallothionein in the central nervous system: Roles in protection, regeneration and cognition

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-26, 11:00 authored by West, AK, Hidalgo, J, Eddins, D, Levin, ED, Aschner, M
Metallothionein (MT) is an enigmatic protein, and its physiological role remains a matter of intense study and debate 50 years after its discovery. This is particularly true of its function in the central nervous system (CNS), where the challenge remains to link its known biochemical properties of metal binding and free radical scavenging to the intricate workings of brain. In this compilation of four reports, first delivered at the 11th International Neurotoxicology Association (INA-11) Meeting, June 2007, the authors present the work of their laboratories, each of which gives an important insight into the actions of MT in the brain. What emerges is that MT has the potential to contribute to a variety of processes, including neuroprotection, regeneration, and even cognitive functions. In this article, the properties and CNS expression ofMTare briefly reviewed before Dr Hidalgo describes his pioneering work using transgenic models of MTexpression to demonstrate how this protein plays a major role in the defence of the CNS against neurodegenerative disorders and other CNS injuries. His group's work leads to two further questions, what are the mechanisms at the cellular level by which MTacts, and does this protein influence higher order issues of architecture and cognition. These topics are addressed in the second and third sections of this review by Dr West, and Dr Levin and Dr Eddins, respectively. Finally, Dr Aschner examines the ability of MT to protect against a specific toxicant, methylmercury, in the CNS.

History

Publication title

NeuroToxicology

Volume

29

Article number

3

Number

3

Pagination

489-502

ISSN

0161-813X

Publication status

  • Published

Rights statement

The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC