Trace metals in the teleost fish gill: biological roles, uptake regulation, and detoxification mechanisms
- PMID: 38916671
- DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01565-1
Trace metals in the teleost fish gill: biological roles, uptake regulation, and detoxification mechanisms
Abstract
In fish, the gill plays a vital role in regulating the absorption of trace metals and is also highly susceptible to metal toxicity. Trace metals such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) are involved in various catalytic activities and molecular binding within the gill, thereby supporting a range of physiological processes in this organ. While beneficial at normal levels, these metals can become toxic when present in excess. Conversely, nonessential metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can gain entry into gill cells through similar metal transport pathways, potentially interfering with various cellular processes. The transepithelial transport of these metals across the gill epithelium is governed by a variety of metal transport and metal binding proteins. These include the Cu transporter 1 (CTR1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and members of the Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) and zinc transport (ZnT) families. Additionally, some of these metals can compete with major ions (e.g., calcium, sodium) for absorption sites in the gill. This complex crosstalk suggests an interdependent mechanism that balances metal uptake to meet physiological needs while preventing excessive accumulation. In this article, I review the roles of trace metals in proteins/enzymes that support the different functions in the gill of teleost fish. I also discuss current understanding of the pathways involved in regulating the branchial uptake of metals and their influence on ionic regulation, and the potential detoxification mechanisms in the gill. Finally, I summarize knowledge gaps and potential areas for further investigation.
Keywords: Fish; Gill; Metal detoxification; Metal toxicity; Metal transporters; Metal uptake.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
References
-
- Ali A, Strezov V, Davies P, Wright I (2017) Environmental impact of coal mining and coal seam gas production on surface water quality in the Sydney basin, Australia. Environ Monit Assess 189:408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-6110-4 - DOI
-
- Alsop DH, Wood CM (1999) Influence of waterborne cations on zinc uptake and toxicity in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 56:2112–2119. https://doi.org/10.1139/f99-156 - DOI
-
- Alsop DH, Wood CM (2000) Kinetic analysis of zinc accumulation in the gills of juvenile rainbow trout: effects of zinc acclimation and implications for biotic ligand modeling. Environ Toxicol Chem 19:1911–1918. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620190728 - DOI
-
- Alsop D, Wood CM (2011) Metal uptake and acute toxicity in zebrafish: common mechanisms across multiple metals. Aquat Toxicol 105:385–393 - DOI
-
- Alves Peixoto RR, Jadán-Piedra C (2022) Cadmium pollution of water, soil, and food: a review of the current conditions and future research considerations in Latin America. Environ Rev 30:110–127. https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2021-0051 - DOI
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Research Materials