response to cadmium ion

Definition

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 cadmium (Cd) ion stimulus. [GOC:ai]

Cadmium ions are highly toxic to living organisms, and cells have evolved complex mechanisms to respond to and mitigate their detrimental effects. The response to cadmium ions involves a cascade of events at both cellular and systemic levels.

At the cellular level, cadmium ions can disrupt a wide range of cellular processes, including:

1. **Disruption of metal homeostasis:** Cadmium ions can bind to proteins and enzymes that normally bind other essential metals, such as zinc and copper. This can lead to the displacement of these essential metals from their active sites, impairing their function and contributing to oxidative stress.

2. **Induction of oxidative stress:** Cadmium ions can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through a variety of mechanisms. ROS can damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to cell death and dysfunction.

3. **Interference with signal transduction pathways:** Cadmium ions can interfere with various signaling pathways, including those involved in cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis.

4. **Activation of stress response pathways:** Cells respond to cadmium stress by activating various stress response pathways, such as the heat shock response and the unfolded protein response. These pathways aim to alleviate stress by inducing the expression of chaperones and proteases to help with protein folding and degradation.

5. **Induction of metallothionein synthesis:** Metallothioneins are small, cysteine-rich proteins that can bind heavy metals like cadmium. Induction of metallothionein synthesis is a key defense mechanism against cadmium toxicity, as it sequesters the metal and prevents it from interacting with critical cellular components.

At the systemic level, cadmium exposure can lead to:

1. **Damage to various organs:** Cadmium can accumulate in various organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive organs. This accumulation can lead to organ dysfunction and disease, including kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, and lung cancer.

2. **Impairment of immune function:** Cadmium exposure can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

3. **Endocrine disruption:** Cadmium can interfere with hormone production and signaling pathways, contributing to various health problems, including reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders.

4. **Developmental toxicity:** Cadmium exposure during pregnancy can have harmful effects on fetal development, leading to birth defects and developmental delays.

The response to cadmium ions is complex and involves multiple cellular and systemic mechanisms. While cells have evolved various mechanisms to protect against cadmium toxicity, prolonged or excessive exposure can lead to severe health consequences.'
"

Proteins (12)

Compounds (460)