Transition metal ions

Transition metal ions, specifically redox-active species such as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), are indispensable cofactors for enzymes involved in vital processes like oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and cellular respiration [1: NIH/NIDDK]. Under physiological conditions, these metals are tightly regulated by chaperone proteins and storage molecules to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, dysregulation leading to an expanded "labile metal pool" can trigger Fenton-type reactions, producing hydroxyl radicals that cause lipid peroxidation and protein damage [2: PubMed]. Therapeutic intervention focuses on the use of chelating agents—such as Deferoxamine for iron or Penicillamine for copper—which bind these ions into stable, non-toxic complexes for renal or biliary excretion [3: StatPearls]. This strategy is critical for managing systemic overload diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease, as well as secondary iron overload in thalassemia patients [4: PubChem]. Additionally, the role of metal-induced oxidative stress is a significant area of investigation in neurodegenerative pathologies, where metals may promote the aggregation of proteins like amyloid-beta [5: PubMed]. Beyond chelation, redox-active metals are also targeted in cancer therapy through the induction of ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation [6: Nature].

Other names

Redox-active metalsBiometalsLabile metal poolTransition metalsIronCopper

Chelation and sequestration of metal ions to prevent oxidative damage and facilitate excretion [3: StatPearls].