One of the challenges faced by every cell as well as by whole organisms is to maintain appropriate concentrations of essential nutrient metals while excluding nonessential toxic metals. Toward that end, all organisms have developed mechanisms for metal homeostasis and detoxification to maintain metal levels within physiological limits. This book brings together current knowledge of the molecular basis of metal homeostasis and detoxification in various eukaryotic model systems, including yeasts, plants, and mammals. It focuses on the cellular systems controlling metal transport, intracellular distribution, and immobilization as well as on systems regulating metal-dependent transcription. In addition to environmental aspects (including phytoremediation), the book treats the pathophysiology of metal deficiency and overload in relation to disease.

Metals such as copper, iron, manganese, and zinc are clearly required for proper metabolism and development, while imbalances can lead to systemic dysfunction and disease. As a result, organisms have evolved complex genetic systems for the regulation of metal levels, including import, export, and sequestration of metals within cells and sub-cellular compartments. The study of metal biology in insects has the potential to greatly expand our understanding of metal biology. The results of such studies might point to new possible therapeutic interventions for neurological and other human diseases, as well as new strategies for insect disease vector control. The articles collected in this Research Topic comprise review and original research on metal biology in insects.

Metals such as copper, iron, manganese, and zinc are clearly required for proper metabolism and development, while imbalances can lead to systemic dysfunction and disease. As a result, organisms have evolved complex genetic systems for the regulation of metal levels, including import, export, and sequestration of metals within cells and sub-cellular compartments. The study of metal biology in insects has the potential to greatly expand our understanding of metal biology. The results of such studies might point to new possible therapeutic interventions for neurological and other human diseases, as well as new strategies for insect disease vector control. The articles collected in this Research Topic comprise review and original research on metal biology in insects.

Discusses how metals are routed and incorporated into regulatory and catalytic proteins and how their pathways are regulated. Describes the diverse strategies that organisms have adopted to acquire, utilize, and store essential metals while protecting themselves against metal toxicity. Metal ion homeostasis and detoxification are considered in terms of structure and regulation. Covers the role of metals in DNA-binding proteins and gene regulation, the chemistry and biology of metal-binding peptides, and methods of metal detoxification. Also includes structural and functional studies of metalloproteins, and a section on the physiology and diseases of unbalanced metal ion homeostasis.

This book covers allocation of metals in cells, metal transporter, storage and metalloregulatory proteins, cellular responses to metal ion stress, transcription of genes involved in metal ion homeostasis, uptake of essential metals, metal efflux and other detoxification mechanisms. The book also discusses metal bioreporters for the nanomolar range of concentration and tools to address the metallome. In addition, coverage details specific metals.

Heavy metals are severe environmental pollutants, and many of them are toxic even at very low concentrations. With industrial development, soil pollution with heavy metal elements have dramatically increased. The uptake of heavy metals via plants that are exposed to contaminated soils is a risk for human health and a major hazard for the ecosystem as a whole, including soil microorganisms. On the other hand, plants may be used in the decontamination of soils. The topics presented in this book include: sources of heavy metals contaminants in soils; plant species that can grow on contaminated soils; the phytoremediation of contaminated soils; tolerance, accumulation and detoxification mechanisms of zinc, copper, arsenic, cadmium and vanadium in plants; the critical role of sulfur metabolism in heavy metal tolerance; the role of aquatic macrophytes, plant growth-promoting bacteria, sugar crops and earthworms in detoxification; and heavy metal stabilization by promoting zeolite synthesis in soils.

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