Molecular and Spectroscopic Insights into Metal Ions Speciation in Extracellular Fluids

Dear colleagues,

Transition metal ions are essential for life. Metalloenzymes correspond to over a third of all enzymes, and they play an essential role in fundamental biological processes such as DNA synthesis and replication, oxygen transport, mitochondrial respiration and photosynthesis. However, there is an inherent toxicity problem which emanates from intrinsic reactivity under biological conditions. In order to prevent the deleterious effects resulting either from the deficit of these micronutrients or their toxic surplus, organisms have to tightly regulate metal ion levels and control their speciation in different compartments. In higher organisms (Animals and Plants) this tight regulation also means controlling both transport to the various organs and bioavailability to different tissues and cells.

In this context, understanding the solution chemistry of metal ions in extracellular biological fluids is fundamental both to understand their cellular bioavailability and toxicity. Having a clear knowledge about metal ion ligands, stability constants and redox potentials may provide the means to identify cellular import pathways and biochemical regulatory mechanisms.

In addition, several metal ion chelates (metallodrugs) are used as medicines and supplements, such as some radiopharmaceuticals, insulin mimetic drugs and iron formulations to fight anaemia. An important step in comprehending their safety and efficacy is to realise their stability, distribution and association with proteins in biological fluids (blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, etc..).

This Special Issue of Molecules is dedicated to original research and review articles that cover the latest findings on metal ion chemistry in extracellular biological fluids. We will welcome speciation or redox studies in biological samples or model systems providing relevant insights for biological conditions. Results concerning association with proteins or on how protein expression levels or modifications influence metal ions distribution or bioavailability will be accepted. Description of quantification methods for individual species by chemical or spectroscopic methods will also be considered.

Dr. Andre Silva
Prof. Dr. Maria Rangel
Guest Editors

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