Structure, Polymorphisms and Electrochemistry of Mammalian Metallothioneins – A Review

摘要

Mammalian metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich low-molecular mass proteins with numerousfunctions including toxic metal detoxification, as a metal chaperone and maintenance of metal ionhomeostasis. Four major isoforms (MT-1 through MT-4) have been identified in mammals. In thisreview, the functions of the isoforms are summarized. Moreover, polymorphisms of MTs genes andtheir connection with cancerogenesis and cancer diagnostics are described. The interesting propertiesof MTs are closely related with structure, which can be studied by modern bioinformatics approachesand electrochemical methods. The advantages of the mentioned approaches and methods are discussed.