Zn– and Cd–Metallothionein Recombinant Species from the Most Diverse Phyla May Contain Sulfide (S²⁻) Ligands

Abstract

A sulfide surprise: The analysis of ZnII–, CdII–, and CuI–MT recombinant preparations of metallothioneins (MTs) from many organisms provides clear evidence that sulfide ions are present in nearly all their physiologically stable ZnII–MT and CdII–MT complexes (see picture), but in none of the CuI–MT species. The features of the MT complexes are in good correlation with those reported for plant and yeast ZnII–or CdII–γ-glutamyl peptides. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2005/z501183_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.