Reactive sulfur species to regulate methylmercury toxicity

Abstract

MeHg covalently binds to cellular protein thiols, resulting in structure changes in the proteins and occurrence of toxicity. We previously reported that transcription factor Nrf2 plays a role in detoxification and excretion of MeHg through GSH adduct formation, whereas CSE catalyzing formation of reactive sulfur species contributes to capture and inactivation of MeHg through sulfur adduct formation. In addition, with single and double KO mice for Nrf2 and CSE, it is suggested that CSE and Nrf2 are complementary involved in repression of MeHg toxicity.