Review on metallothionein research in marine and estuarine realms: past paradigms and future vistas

Gora, Adnan Hussain and Sreeram, Miriam Paul and Rehman, Saima and Ul Ain, Qurat and Chakraborty, Kajal and Prema, D and Lavanya, R and Siriyappagouder, Prabhugouda and Asha, P S (2025) Review on metallothionein research in marine and estuarine realms: past paradigms and future vistas. Frontiers in Marine Science, 12 (1). pp. 1-18.

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Abstract

Oceans and coastal waters, vital for human survival and climate regulation, are increasingly threatened by heavy metal pollution due to human activities including industrialization and urbanization. Heavy metals including tin, zinc, mercury, copper, nickel, cadmium, cobalt, vanadium, strontium, titanium, arsenic, lead, molybdenum, and chromium are persistent pollutants that can accumulate in marine organisms, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. While some heavy metals are essential in trace amounts, they can exert undesirable biological effects at higher concentrations and even become toxic. In response to such toxic exposure, terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals are known to have evolved inherent mechanisms to subdue heavy metal toxicity. These responses often involve the activation of various stress-related proteins, including heat shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and metal-binding molecules that work collectively to restore cellular homeostasis. One of the mechanisms to mitigate metal toxicity is through the activity of metallothionein proteins. Metallothioneins, low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins, play a crucial role in mitigating the toxic effects of heavy metals. These proteins bind heavy metals, aiding in detoxification, protecting the cells from their undesirable effects, and maintaining metal homeostasis. Thus, metallothionein expression and activity also serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing heavy metal pollution, providing insights into the biological impact of these contaminants. The present review explores the role of bacterial metallothioneins in detoxification and their potential in environmental risk assessment, focusing on their importance in marine species exposed to heavy metal pollution. We explore the studies that report heavy metal contamination in the coastal waters, followed by elucidating the effects of heavy metal exposure on metallothionein activity and expression in marine fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Finally, we provide possible future perspectives of how bacterial metallothioneins can be employed for mitigating ecological damage caused by heavy metals. By understanding the interactions between heavy metals and metallothioneins, we can develop more effective strategies for monitoring and mitigating the effects of heavy metal contamination in marine environments.

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