Metal ion resistance in fungi: molecular mechanisms and their regulated expression

One stress response in cells is the ability to survive in an environment containing excessive concentrations of metal ions. This paper reviews current knowledge about cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the response and adaptation of various fungal species to metal stress. Most cells contain a repertoire of mechanisms to maintain metal homeostasis and prevent metal toxicity. Roles played by glutathione, related (gamma-EC)nG peptides, metallothionein-like polypeptides, and sulfide ions are discussed. In response to cellular metal stress, the biosynthesis of some of these molecules are metalloregulated via intracellular metal sensors. The identify of the metal sensors and the role of metal ions in the regulation of biosynthesis of metallothionein and (gamma-EC)nG peptides are subjects of much current attention and are discussed herein.