| Institution: | 1. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States;2. Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil;3. Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil;4. Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya St., 14, Yaroslavl 150000, Russia;5. Center of Toxicology Science & Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece;6. School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States;7. Peoples'' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya St., 6, Moscow 105064, Russia;8. Orenburg State University, Pobedy Ave., 13, Orenburg 460352, Russia |
| Abstract: | Mercury (Hg) exposure remains a major public health concern due to its widespread distribution in the environment. Organic mercurials, such as MeHg, have been extensively investigated especially because of their congenital effects. In this context, studies on the molecular mechanism of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity are pivotal to the understanding of its toxic effects and the development of preventive measures. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation are essential for the proper function of proteins and play important roles in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. The rapid and transient nature of many PTMs allows efficient signal transduction in response to stress. This review summarizes the current knowledge of PTMs in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, including the most commonly PTMs, as well as PTMs induced by oxidative stress and PTMs of antioxidant proteins. Though PTMs represent an important molecular mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis and are involved in the neurotoxic effects of MeHg, we are far from understanding the complete picture on their role, and further research is warranted to increase our knowledge of PTMs in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. |
