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Iron and copper in plasma membranes
Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Nonheme iron and copper were detected in pig erythrocyte and mouse liver plasma membranes. Most erythrocyte membrane iron is not in iron-sulfur structures, suggesting novel roles for these metals in membrane proteins.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Membrane Biology
Background:
- Nonheme iron is a component of various cellular proteins.
- Plasma membranes are crucial for cellular function and communication.
- Previous studies have characterized metal content in intracellular organelles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify nonheme iron and copper in pig erythrocyte and mouse liver plasma membranes.
- To investigate the nature of iron binding within erythrocyte membranes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of plasma membranes from pig erythrocytes and mouse liver.
- Quantification of nonheme iron and copper using biochemical assays.
- Acid extraction to differentiate iron forms.
Main Results:
- Nonheme iron levels were 8.2 nmol/mg protein in erythrocyte membranes and 7.4 nmol/mg protein in liver plasma membranes.
- A significant portion of erythrocyte membrane iron was resistant to acid extraction, indicating it's not in typical iron-sulfur clusters.
- Copper was found at 0.45 nmol/mg protein in pig erythrocyte plasma membranes.
Conclusions:
- Plasma membranes contain significant amounts of nonheme iron and copper.
- The iron in erythrocyte membranes is largely not in conventional iron-sulfur structures.
- These metals may play roles in the function of plasma membrane redox enzymes.
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