Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Oxytocin is a nine‐amino acid peptide hormone essential for reproduction, social bonding, and neuromodulation. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that divalent metal ions play critical roles in modulating oxytocin structure, receptor binding, and biological activity. Despite nearly five decades of research, a comprehensive molecular‐level understanding of metal–oxytocin interactions and their functional consequences remains incomplete. This review synthesizes current knowledge of how Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and other metals influence oxytocin's conformational landscape and receptor interactions through distinct coordination modes. We highlight emerging applications in biosensor development and therapeutic formulation that leverage these metal‐binding properties. Advancing our understanding of metal‐mediated modulation of oxytocin function will enhance our knowledge of peptide hormone regulation and provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention in conditions involving dysregulated oxytocin signaling.
Authors: Jennifer Park, Marie C. Heffern
Institution: University of California, Davis
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7150747108