Target type: biologicalprocess
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a metal ion stimulus. [GOC:sm]
Response to metal ion is a complex biological process that involves a cascade of events triggered by the presence of a metal ion in the cellular environment. These events are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and mitigating the potential toxicity of excess metal ions.
The process begins with the detection of the metal ion by specific cellular sensors. These sensors can be proteins, such as metalloregulators, or even small molecules that bind to the metal ion. Binding of the metal ion to the sensor triggers a signaling cascade, often involving changes in gene expression, protein activity, and cellular localization.
The cellular response to metal ions can be categorized into several key mechanisms:
1. **Metal ion uptake and transport:** Cells have specialized mechanisms for transporting essential metal ions across their membranes. These mechanisms are often tightly regulated to ensure an optimal balance of metal ions within the cell.
2. **Metal ion detoxification:** Cells can detoxify excess metal ions by sequestering them in intracellular compartments, such as vacuoles or lysosomes. They can also employ enzymes to convert toxic metal ions into less harmful forms.
3. **Metal ion homeostasis:** Cells maintain a delicate balance of essential metal ions by regulating their uptake, storage, and efflux. Disruptions in metal ion homeostasis can lead to various diseases.
4. **Metal ion sensing and signaling:** Cells can detect changes in metal ion concentrations and transmit these signals to downstream effectors, triggering appropriate cellular responses.
The specific cellular response to metal ions depends on the type of metal ion, its concentration, and the cellular context. For example, cells may respond to high levels of iron by increasing the expression of iron storage proteins or by activating iron efflux mechanisms. However, cells may respond to low levels of zinc by increasing the expression of zinc uptake transporters or by activating zinc-dependent signaling pathways.
Overall, response to metal ion is an essential biological process that ensures cellular survival and function in the face of environmental stress. This process is finely tuned and regulated, reflecting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Pyruvate kinase PKLR | A pyruvate kinase PKLR that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P30613] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| shikonin | shikonin: a naphthazarin; has antineoplastic and angiogenesis inhibiting activities | hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone | |
| alizarin red s | alizarin red S : An organic sodium salt having 3,4-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-sulfonate as the counterion. It is commonly used to stain embryo skeletons in cleared whole mounts, usually of small mammals. Alizarin Red S: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure | organic sodium salt; organosulfonate salt | histological dye |