Interaction of trivalent arsenicals with metallothionein

Jiang, G; Gong, Z; Li, X-F; Cullen, WR; Le, XC

HERO ID

627004

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2003

Language

English

PMID

12870890

HERO ID 627004
In Press No
Year 2003
Title Interaction of trivalent arsenicals with metallothionein
Authors Jiang, G; Gong, Z; Li, X-F; Cullen, WR; Le, XC
Journal Chemical Research in Toxicology
Volume 16
Issue 7
Page Numbers 873-880
Abstract Arsenic is a human carcinogen, causing skin, bladder, and lung cancers. Although arsenic in drinking water affects millions of people worldwide, the mechanism(s) of action by which arsenic causes cancers is not known. Arsenic probably exerts some toxic effects by binding with proteins. However, few experimental data are available on arsenic-containing proteins in biological systems. This study reports on arsenic interaction with metallothionein and established binding stoichiometries between metallothionein and the recently discovered trivalent metabolites of arsenic metabolism. Size exclusion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of reaction mixtures between trivalent arsenicals and metallothionein clearly demonstrated the formation of complexes of arsenic with metallothionein. Analysis of the complexes using electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry revealed the detailed binding stoichiometry between arsenic and the 20 Cys residues in the metallothionein molecule. Inorganic arsenite (As(III)) and its two trivalent methylation metabolites, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)), readily bind with metallothionein. Each metallothionein molecule could bind with up to six As(III), 10 MMA(III), and 20 DMA(III) molecules, consistent with the coordination chemistry of these arsenicals. The findings on arsenic interaction with proteins are useful for a better understanding of arsenic health effects.
Doi 10.1021/tx034053g
Pmid 12870890
Wosid WOS:000184243200009
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments |WOS:000184243200009
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No