Molecular aspects of aluminum toxicity

Abstract

The focus in this review is directed to molecular aspects of aluminum toxicity in animal and plant cells. Unique thermodynamic features of Al(lII) ions impart biological specificity which may form the biochemical basis of aluminum interactions with cellular constituents. Current knowledge about aluminum‐specific, molecular interactions is rather scanty. Al(III) ions may coordinate with nucleotides or complex to phospholipids resulting in impaired genetic expression or aluminum‐induced membrane phase changes, respectively. Aluminum‐specific structures are formed with proteins involved in iron transport. and with calmodulin, a key regulatory protein involved in coordinating the actions of second messengers. A novel hypothesis is put forward that Al‐calmodulin may be a primary lesion that occurs in the broadly defined syndrome of aluminum toxicity. Pertinent research areas are discussed.