nickel cation

Nickel cation is the divalent form of the element nickel (Ni^2+) and acts as a micronutrient present in some multivitamin formulations[1]. It serves as a cofactor in certain enzymatic reactions and is found naturally in biological systems such as Escherichia coli[2]. In trace amounts, it may be essential for human health; however, higher doses can be toxic. Mechanistically, the nickel cation can substitute for other essential elements in enzymes like calcineurin and has high affinity for chromatin proteins. This interaction can lead to alterations such as DNA hypermethylation and gene silencing. Nickel ions are also known to inhibit DNA repair processes by interfering with zinc-finger DNA binding proteins or directly inhibiting repair enzymes. Additionally, they may generate oxygen radicals that cause cellular damage including base damage and DNA strand breaks[2]. Excessive exposure to nickel compounds is associated with toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Other names

Ni2+Nickel(II)Nickel(2+)nickelous ionNICKEL (II) ION