Cellular and Molecular Biology of Metals

With chapter contributions from more than 30 metal biology experts, Cellular and Molecular Biology of Metals explains the role of key divalent metal ions involved in the molecular and cellular biology of various target cell populations. Although it primarily focuses on homeostatic metals, such as nickel, zinc, and chromium, the text also discusses a few environmentally pertinent, toxic divalent cations, including mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. This authoritative resource reviews the physiological mechanisms underlying the handling of essential and toxic metal ions, including metal ion homeostasis, metals and enzyme activity, metals and transcriptional regulation, and metal ion transport. It also analyzes other functions designed to avoid metal-induced toxicity and mediate the metal enhancement of cellular function. The role of metal ions and their effect on mammalian cells and organs are only beginning to be truly defined. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Metals arms metals toxicologists and cellular and molecular biologists with the necessary knowledge they need to take the research effort to the next level.