How does disulfiram's metabolite, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), affect metal-containing enzymes?

Label:chem

Topic
Disulfiram is metabolized to DDTC, which is known for its chelating abilities. This chelation can impact enzyme function.
Answer
Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), a reduced form of disulfiram, is a powerful chelator of transition divalent metal ions like copper and zinc. Through the chelation of essential cofactors, DDTC can impair the function of metal-containing enzymes such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ADH), carboxylesterase, cholinesterase, superoxide dismutase, and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH). The complex of copper and diethyldithiocarbamate, Cu(DTC)₂, is considered the active metabolite responsible for disulfiram's anticancer properties.
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