Metallothionein 1E Inhibitors

Metallothionein 1E inhibitors are chemicals that decrease the functional activity of Metallothionein 1E, a protein with various cellular functions including metal ion homeostasis and detoxification of heavy metals. This class of inhibitors includes Cadmium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Copper(II) Sulfate, Arsenic Trioxide, Mercury(II) Chloride, Lead(II) Nitrate, Silver Nitrate, Selenium Dioxide, Nickel(II) Sulfate, Chromium(III) Chloride, Cobalt(II) Chloride, and Bismuth(III) Nitrate. These chemicals inhibit Metallothionein 1E by directly binding to the protein or indirectly inducing its synthesis, both of which result in the sequestration of the protein and reduction of its availability for other functions.

Zinc Sulfate is a potent inducer of Metallothionein 1E. By inducing the synthesis of the protein, these chemicals cause an overproduction of Metallothionein 1E. The surplus protein then becomes sequestered, reducing its availability for other functions such as metal ion homeostasis and detoxification of heavy metals. This sequestration of Metallothionein 1E effectively inhibits its functional activity. On the other hand,, Nickel(II) Sulfate, Chromium(III) Chloride and Cobalt(II) Chloridee directly bind to Metallothionein 1E. The binding of these chemicals to Metallothionein 1E reduces the protein's availability for other functions, effectively inhibiting its functional activity. These chemicals can bind to and sequester Metallothionein 1E due to the protein's high affinity for heavy metals and other metal ions. The binding and sequestration of Metallothionein 1E by these chemicals result in the decreased functional activity of the protein.