Metal ion chelation

Metal ion chelation is a chemical process in which a molecule—called a chelating agent or ligand—forms multiple coordinate bonds with a single metal ion, resulting in the formation of a stable ring-like complex known as a chelate. This process is central to coordination chemistry and has significant roles in biology and medicine. In living systems, natural and synthetic chelators regulate essential processes such as nutrient acquisition by microorganisms through siderophores for iron uptake[1], detoxification by binding toxic heavy metals for excretion from the body[3][5], and catalysis within metalloenzymes. Clinically, "metal ion chelation" refers to therapeutic strategies that use drugs like deferoxamine or EDTA to treat conditions involving toxic accumulation of metals such as lead, mercury, iron, or copper. However, "metal ion chelation" itself is not an individual molecular target but rather describes a chemical mechanism; specific targets are usually particular enzymes or proteins involved in these processes. Note on correctness ("is_incorrect"): The entry "Metal ion chelation" does not refer to an individual protein/receptor/target but rather describes a general chemical mechanism/process. Therefore it should not be considered an actionable therapeutic target like an enzyme or receptor; instead it refers broadly to any process involving the binding/sequestration of metal ions by ligands.[3][5]

Other names

ChelationMetal chelationChelating agent activityMetal ion sequestration

Chelation and sequestration of toxic or excess metal ions to facilitate their excretion from the body[4][7]