Trace metal Transcription

Trace metals Zinc Red meats, shellfish, wholegrain cereals Involved in many metabolic reactions stabilisation of structure RNA, DNA and ribosomes Binding of some transcription factors to DNA Stabilisation of insulin complex in storage granules... 

Alternatively, Bolin et al. (2006) suggested that lead may interact with the trace-metal-mediated post-transcriptional action of the 5 -untranslated region (UTR) of the APP gene. This interaction during early posmatal development could cause delayed accumulation of APP and, thus, the accumulation of A(3 in the cerebral cortex. 

Pabo CO, Sauer RT (1992) Transcription factors structural families and principles of DNA recognition. Annu Rev Biochem 61 1053-1095 Packman S, O Toole T (1984) Trace metal metabolism in cultured skin fibroblasts of the mottled mouse response to metallothionein inducers. Pediatr Res 18 1282-1286... 

Fig. 2. MTs role in the subcellular distribution of heavy metals. Following uptake, metals activate MTF-1 to initiate transcription at MREs on MT promoters. Raised apo-thionein levels result in reduced toxicity of the heavy metal. Once the metals are bound to MT there is a decrease in free metals and a subsequent MTF-1 inactivation, and lowered MT gene transcription. When the rate of heavy metal accumulation exceeds that of MT synthesis, toxicity may occur. Binding of metals such as Cd and Hg may impair MTs role in regulating the levels of trace elements such as Zn and Cu, essential for maintaining enzyme activity. Other heavy metal binding proteins aid to protect from toxicity.

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