ROLE OF HEMOPROTEINS IN REGULATION OF PROLIFERATION AND APOPTOSIS OF CELLS

Hemoproteins are proteins whose ligand is iron present in porphyrin. Similar compounds exist practically in all eukaryotic cells. They perform various functions in cells and tissues. Hemoproteins participate in such vital processes as transport of substances, neutralization of xenobiotics, creation of oxygen reserve. In case of disorder in their structure hemoproteins play a significant role in development of diseases associated with cell proliferation. This relationship is based on the cascade mechanism induced by changes of metalloproteins. Here, each subsequent event enhances the damage with final increase in the consequences of damages. In activation of the cascade a part of cells die, other cells, on the contrary, degenerate and proliferate uncontrollably. It is necessary to take into account speed and time parameters in development of the pathological process. A short-term and strong impact induces apoptosis, while a prolonged low-intensity influence may lead to neoplasm. In the work a number of mechanisms of pathological processes induced by disorder in the mineral homeostasis are described. As examples of diseases psoriasis and transformation of tumor cells are considered. The role of hemoproteins as initiating factors is shown. Proteins of this group not only produce a damaging effect on the genetic information, but can also protect tumor cells against apoptosis. Active oxygen metabolites accumulating in high quantity in the focus of damage initiate free-radical oxidation processes leading to oxidative modification of proteins. The most sensitive targets for active forms of oxygen are SH-groups of proteins. The given pathological changes may result from the action of metalloproteins onmetabolism that can affect function both of a separate cell and of an organism as a whole. The result of the protein-induced process is a loss of specificity and an acquisition of the ability for uncontrolled division of cells. A study of the role of ferroproteins my help develop novel methods of prophylaxis and treatment of both psoriasis and oncology.