Open AccessA structural insight into lead neurotoxicity and calmodulin activation by heavy metals
Author(s) -
Kursula Petri,
Majava Viivi
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta crystallographica section f
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1744-3091
DOI - 10.1107/s1744309107034525
Subject(s) - calmodulin , neurotoxicity , lead (geology) , barium , calcium , lead compound , metal , chemistry , biophysics , biochemistry , inorganic chemistry , biology , toxicity , organic chemistry , paleontology , in vitro
Calmodulin is a calcium sensor that is also capable of binding and being activated by other metal ions. Of specific interest in this respect is lead, which is known to be neurotoxic and to have a very high affinity towards calmodulin. Crystal structures of human calmodulin complexed with lead and barium ions have been solved. The results will help in understanding the activation mechanisms of calmodulin by different heavy metals and will provide a detailed view of a putative target for lead neurotoxicity in humans.