Metals And Genetics

During the past few years, major scientific discoveries have greatly contributed to our understanding of the relationship between metals and genetics. The fields which have contrib uted to this area range from Clinical Medicine and Genetics to Biochemistry and Chemistry. The aim of this book is to bring together investigators from these diverse fields to reflect on the broad implications of direct and indirect interactions of metals and genetic components. The volume begins with a tribute to the late Karen Wetterhahn, an outstanding scien tist in the field, who will be sadly missed by her friends and colleagues because of her un timely death. The book has 28 chapters contributed by scientists who are internationally known for their expertise and outstanding research. The subject matters are divided into five major sections. The first section discusses genetic response to environmental expo sure to metals. Potentially devastating health crises have been reported in recent years from several parts of the world, which stem from environmental exposure to metals. In this section, authors report their findings on the effects and influence of metals in gene ex pression and their consequences to human health. The section on metal carcinogenesis and metal caused DNA damage, presents the latest advances in our knowledge of the molecu lar mechanisms of metal-induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. This topic is at the very heart of our understanding of how cancer may be caused by various metals.

"Based on the First International Symposium on Metals and Genetics held recently at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The only book of its kind to focus on the effects of metals on DNA. Provides up-to-date information on new developments in the field and their wide-ranging implications. Discusses the molecular mechanisms of metal-induced mutagenicity and carcinogenicity."

This is the first volume on the role of metal ions in regulating genes to focus not only on toxicity effects of metals but also on the role of metal ions in normal metabolisms, in both prokaryotes and in eukaryotes. This book is a comprehensive treatment of the role of metal ions in gene regulation, and it will be of great utility for those doing basic biological and biomedical research.

Book claims that heavy metal poisoning is the cause of many neurological disorders, and is passed on from one generation to the next through epigenetics.

Comprehensive resource detailing the molecular mechanisms underlying heavy metal toxicity and tolerance in plants Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of heavy metal tolerance and functional omics that allow for a deeper understanding of using heavy metal tolerance for deliberate manipulation of plants. Through the authors’ unique approach, the text enables researchers to develop strategies to enhance metal toxicity and deficiency tolerance as well as crop productivity under stressful conditions, in order to better utilize natural resources to ensure future food security. The text presents the basic knowledge of plant heavy metal/metalloid tolerance using modern approaches, including omics, nanotechnology, and genetic manipulation, and covers molecular breeding, genetic engineering, and approaches for high yield and quality under metal toxicity or deficiency stress conditions. With a collection of 26 chapters contributed by the leading experts in the fields surrounding heavy metal and metalloids toxicity and tolerance in crop plants, Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants includes further information on: Advanced techniques in omics research in relation to heavy metals/metalloids toxicity and tolerance Heavy metals/metalloids in food crops and their implications for human health Molecular mechanisms of heavy metals/metalloids toxicity and tolerance in plants Molecular breeding approaches for reducing heavy metals load in the edible plant parts Hormonal regulation of heavy metals toxicity and tolerance Applications of nanotechnology for improving heavy metals stress tolerance Genetic engineering for heavy metals/metalloids stress tolerance in plants With comprehensive coverage of the subject, Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants is an essential reference for researchers working on developing plants tolerant to metals/metalloids stress and effective strategies for reducing the risk of health hazards.

The term “heavy metals” is used as a group name of toxic metals and metalloids (semimetals) causing contaminations and ecotoxicity. In strict chemical sense the density of heavy metals is higher than 5 g/cm3. From biological point of view as microelements they can be divided into two major groups. a. For their physiological function organisms and cells require essential microelements such as iron, chromium (III), cobalt, copper, manganese, molidenium, zinc. b. The other group of heavy metals is toxic to the health or environment. Of highest concern are the emissions of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl. The toxicity of heavy metals is well known at organizational level, while less attention has been paid to their cellular effects. This book describes the toxicity of heavy metals on microorganisms, yeast, plant and animal cells. Other chapters of the book deal with their genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. The toxicity of several metals touch upon the aspects of environmental hazard, ecosystems and human health. Among the cellular responses of heavy metals irregularities in cellular mechanisms such as gene expression, protein folding, stress signaling pathways are among the most important ones. The final chapters deal with biosensors and removal of heavy metals. As everybody is eating, drinking and exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis, the spirit of the book will attract a wide audience.

Molecular Biology and Toxicology of Metals provides a critical review and analysis of the current state of knowledge of metal ion transport and metabolism in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular systems. It covers the latest information on specific metals and the biological molecules with which metals interact. It also details mechanisms in the handling and toxicity of metals in specific organ systems, and the role of metals in cell signalling and gene transcription in target cells. This book is sure to prove a fertile meeting ground for the disciplines of molecular genetics and metal toxicology.