Metalloproteins in intracellular nickel homestasis

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The rich chemistry of the transition metals has been adapted by nature such that many of these elements are essential components of vital biological reactions. Paradoxically, the properties of metals that make them such useful cellular factors can also be harmful to cells and can produce lethal damage. To harness the chemistry of the essential metals, organisms have developed tightly-regulated systems that specifically import metals only when required, transport them within the cell to proteins that use or store them, and export the excess. In this manner, the cell can depend on having an adequate supply without accumulating an unprotected pool of these potentially toxic nutrients. An understanding of metal homeostasis requires identification of the proteins involved, as well as research into the mechanisms of regulation and specific metal recognition. This knowledge has applications in human nutrition and in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to metal homeostasis. Other medical uses include the design of antibiotics that target the unique metal requirements of microorganisms. Furthermore, the increasing spread of toxic heavy metals in the environment provides an incentive to engineer plants and microorganisms to be used as biosensors and in bioremediation.