Metallothioneins In Biochemistry And Pathology

Metallothioneins (MTs) represent a wide family of proteins characterized by high, heavy metal content [mainly Cu(II) and Zn(II)], and by an unusual cysteine abundance. They have a powerful protective function in all animal tissues, due most likely to their properties as free radical scavengers protecting against oxidative damage. In normal tissues, MTs exist at relatively low levels. However, their synthesis is markedly increased by a variety of stimuli (metals, hormones, stress, oxidants etc.). The presence and the overexpression of MTs in various pathological conditions, such as metal dyshomeostasis, cell proliferation, neurological disorders, and chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, could be used as an important prognostic marker, as a histopathological diagnostic tool, and to follow specific pharmacological treatments.This important book explores the role of MTs in the field of neurological disorders (brain inflammation, Alzheimers and prion diseases, autism, ALS, etc.) , cardiology (cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis), and oncology (melanoma, prostate and breast cancer), through authoritative contributions and a description of basic biochemical information and paradigmatic pathological events.