Crystal-macromolecule interactions in urolithiasis: lessons from healthy biomineralization systems.
Recent advances in understanding the molecular level mechanisms that control biomineralization and organic-inorganic interactions in urolithiasis are reviewed, and the validity of drawing parallels between them are considered. The multifunctional nature of many biomineralization molecules, particularly proteins, and the different roles they play in and out of solution suggest avenues for resolving the apparent paradox that urinary macromolecules have been observed both to inhibit and to promote stone formation.
Parkinson
G M
GM
School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth 6845, Western Australia.