title: Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of metallothioneins.
abstract: Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular weight cysteine- and metal-rich proteins with unquestionable metal binding capacity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and a clear involvement in diverse physiological actions as inhibition of proapoptotic mechanisms, enhancement of cell survival, and tissue regeneration. Concurrent with this wide array of functions, MT-1/2 have been implicated in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. The zinc binding capacity and antioxidant properties of MTs may account for most of their physiological features in the brain. However, some receptor-mediated actions of MT-1/2 have also been reported recently, a subject to be fully elucidated. This review analyses and updates the current knowledge on the actions of MTs related to neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in an effort to distinguish receptor-mediated actions of MTs from those arising from its zinc binding capacity and its antioxidant properties.
authors: Health Sciences Research Centre-CICS, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal. csantos@fcsaude.ubi.pt
authors: Cecília R A
authors: CR
authors: Santos
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Martinho
authors: Telma
authors: T
authors: Quintela
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Gonçalves
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism; D019610:Cytoprotection; D006801:Humans; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009154:Mutation; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D003300:Copper; D008668:Metallothionein; C458527:RNF216 protein, human; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases