Phytochelatins inhibit the metal-induced aggregation of α-crystallin

Phytochelatins (PCs) are heavy-metal-binding peptides found in some eukaryotes. This study investigates the use of plant-derived PCs for the inhibition of metal-induced protein aggregation. The results of this study show that PCs inhibit zinc-induced α-crystallin aggregation, and suggest that PCs might be useful as anti-cataract agents.