Metal Exchange Reactions in Metallothioneins Explored by Electrochemical Methods

Abstract

Metallothioneins (MTs) are widely occurring, small, cysteine‐rich proteins, important for essential metal (Zn, Cu) homeostasis and transport and for heavy metal (Cd, Hg) detoxification. In buffered solutions of mammalian MT, voltammetry and potentiometric striping analysis (PSA) can distinguish different coordination of bound metals or follow their exchange, especially that of zinc and cadmium for copper, silver, and cobalt. The examples of different electrode applications as of hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), of silver solid amalgam (AgSAE) electrode, and of silica gel modified carbon paste electrode (SiO2‐CPE) are given.