A comparative study of aluminum(III), gallium(III), indium(III), and thallium(III) binding to human serum transferrin

Group 13 cations exhibit an essentially similar chemical behavior in aqueous solution. Under physiological conditions these cations exist as metal complexes. They are known to bind tightly to human serum transferrin in the blood. Here, the numerous published studies on the interactions of Group 13 metals with transferrin are reviewed, particular attention being given to the comparative analysis of the binding constants and to the kinetics and mechanisms of metal ion uptake and release. The structural and functional information obtained on these metallotransferrins by advanced physicochemical methods, such as NMR spectroscopy, is presented in light of the recent crystal structures of ferric- and apotransferrin. The biological consequences of binding of aluminum(III), gallium(III) and indium(III) to transferrin are discussed in relation to the relevant roles played by these metal ions in pharmacology and toxicology. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.