science
Metallothionein are low-molecular-weight cysteine-based proteins that trap metal ions with thiol groups. MT was first identified in 1957 by Margoshes and Vallee and is a metalloprotein, because of its abundance of metals and unusual bioinorganic architecture. These proteins are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and are most frequently involved in metal ion homeostasis, detoxification and antioxidation. MT also has the characteristic high cysteine ratio (roughly 30%) and lack of aromatic amino acids for highly selective interactions with zinc, copper, cadmium and mercury.
What is the Function of the Metallothionein?
Metal Ion Regulation
MT is involved in the intracellular homeostasis of these critical metals: zinc, copper and so on. It allows for dynamic exchange and storage of metal, which ensures that the cells run properly. Its capacity to scavenge metal ions helps to guard cells from heavy metal toxicity.
Antioxidant Activity
High cysteine content makes MT extremely antioxidant. In neutralizing hydroxyl radicals, it works as an antioxidant against oxidative stress. This is especially important for quickly dividing tissues and during radiation treatment, where MT helps protect cells from free radical-mediated damage.
Cytoprotection
Since MT is strongly bound to divalent heavy metal ions, it can be used to detoxify cadmium, mercury, platinum and other harmful metals, protecting cells and tissues from the harmful elements. MT also alters apoptotic processes and acts anti-apoptotic under stress, such as in the case of anticancer medications.
Neurological Functions
Some isoforms, like MT-3, are mainly present in the central nervous system. MT-3 is neuroprotective in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and an inhibitor of neural growth during development.
Metallothionein is an example of a protein family with many biological functions, such as metal detoxification, antioxidant activity, and cellular defence. Its isoform-specificity and inducible expression indicate that it maintains cellular integrity under physiological and pathological conditions. and pathological conditions. It plays multifaceted roles in cancer, in tumor formation and growth, and in the regulation of treatment effectiveness. The next round of detailed research on the regulatory biology of MT will offer novel approaches to cancer diagnosis and therapy.