An understanding of the molecular details of the
interaction between arsenic compounds and human cells and macromolecules is
important for countering the harmful effects of arsenic and developing new
drugs. Unfortunately, studies in this
area is limited. We have been applying
spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF spectroscopy
to investigate the effects of different arsenic compounds on human cell
lines. Large changes in the spectra of
cells were seen in the presence of some arsenic compounds that could be
attributed to alterations in proteins and lipids. Our findings suggest that MALDI-TOF
spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy can be useful tools for monitoring toxic
effects of arsenic on human cells. This
approach could be utilised for drug discovery projects and also for
understanding the molecular basis of the effects of arsenic on human cells. We
have also used FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy to study the effect of
arsenic compounds on the conformation of proteins such as human
transferrin. These studies reveal that
arsenic can interact with transferrin altering its conformation. This may modulate the function of transferrin
in populations exposed to high levels of arsenic. The implications of these findings on human
health will be presented.
THE EFFECT OF ARSENIC ON HUMAN CELLS AND PROTEINS INVESTIGATED USING SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES
Journal Section | Articles |
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Authors | |
Publication Date | February 16, 2017 |
Published in Issue | Year 2017 Volume: Volume 2 Issue: İssue 1 (1) - 2.İnternational Congress Of Forensic Toxicology |