Metal-containing proteins in the apoptosis and redox processes in the rat prostate and human prostate cells

Several trace elements, such as Se, Cu, Mn, and Zn are bound to proteins (metallo- and metalloidproteins) in the prostate gland. Currently, it is known that some of those elements play a role in the apoptosis of different cells and redox processes. For the detection of such proteins, analytical and biochemical procedures were combined. SEC and ICP-MS were used to detect some trace elements, which are bound to proteins in the prostate cytosol and/or in the human prostate cell lines. Several antibodies against specific proteins were tested. By means of some of these antibodies several trace element-containing proteins, such as selenoproteins and Cu- and Cu-Zn-proteins, could be identified in the prostate. In addition, the localization of such metal- and metalloid-containing proteins in the micro organelles and cytosol of the prostate indicates specific functions of these proteins because, as it is known, such metal- and metalloid proteins play a role in the apoptosis and especially in the redox processes.