Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) is a heavy metal-binding peptide for toxicity research

**Background**

Heavy metal contamination in the environment poses a significant threat to biological systems, as metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury can induce oxidative stress and disrupt cellular homeostasis. To combat this, various organisms have evolved sophisticated detoxification mechanisms to sequester and neutralize these toxic ions. Among these, phytochelatins play a critical role as specialized peptides that bind to heavy metals, thereby preventing cellular damage and maintaining the stability of the internal environment. Understanding the interaction between these peptides and metal ions is essential for developing strategies to mitigate metal toxicity in biological models. In this context, we will introduce a potent metal-chelating peptide – Phytochelatin 2 (PC2).

**Definition**

Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) is a phytochelatin peptide with the sequence γGlu-Cys-γGlu-Cys-Gly (TFA salt), designed to function as an important heavy metal-binding agent.

**Biological Activity**

According to the Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) description, this peptide is characterized by a molecular weight of 653.60 and a specific chemical composition defined by the Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) formula (C20H30F3N5O12S2). The primary Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) biological activity involves the chelation of heavy metals, which allows the peptide to prevent metal-induced toxicity and ensure the stability of essential metals within the internal cellular environment. By forming stable complexes with nutritional and environmental metals, PC2 acts as a protective shield for cellular components. In conclusion, Phytochelatin 2 (PC2) is a specialized heavy metal-binding peptide that serves as a vital tool for studying metal detoxification and stability.

Keywords

Phytochelatin 2 (PC2), 1426828-27-4, Others, phytochelatin, adsorptive transfer stripping, differential pulse voltammetry, mercury, cadmium, zinc, heavy metal sensor, human urine, cis-platin, Inhibitor, inhibitor, inhibit

References

[1] Dennis KK, et al. Phytochelatin database: a resource for phytochelatin complexes of nutritional and environmental metals. Database (Oxford). 2019;2019:baz083. [Content Brief]