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Updated: May 30, 2026
10:34
Essential Metal Uptake in Gram-negative Bacteria: X-ray Fluorescence, Radioisotopes, and Cell Fractionation
Published on: February 1, 2018
Hammering out details: regulating metal levels in eukaryotes
Kate M Ehrensberger1, Amanda J Bird
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Organisms use sophisticated mechanisms to control essential metals like zinc, iron, and copper, which are toxic in excess. This review details transcription factors that sense and regulate these metal ions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Transition metals (zinc, iron, copper) are vital but toxic in excess.
- Organisms require precise mechanisms to maintain metal homeostasis.
- Gene expression for metal transport/storage proteins is often metal-regulated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review transcription factors mediating metal-dependent gene regulation.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding metal ion sensing by these factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on transcription factors and metal sensing.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of metal ion detection.
Main Results:
- Identified key transcription factors involved in metal homeostasis.
- Elucidated mechanisms of metal ion sensing by transcription factors.
- Detailed transcriptional regulation in response to metal status.
Conclusions:
- Transcription factors are crucial for sensing and responding to metal ion levels.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to cellular metal regulation.
- Advances in sensing mechanisms offer insights into maintaining metal balance.
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