Publication at Faculty of Science, Second Faculty of Medicine |
2012
Abstract
Mammalian metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich low-molecular mass proteins with numerous functions including toxic metal detoxification, as a metal chaperone and maintenance of metal ion homeostasis. Four major isoforms (MT-1 through MT-4) have been identified in mammals.
In this review, the functions of the isoforms are summarized. Moreover, polymorphisms of MTs genes and their connection with cancerogenesis and cancer diagnostics are described.
The interesting properties of MTs are closely related with structure, which can be studied by modern bioinformatics approaches and electrochemical methods. The advantages of the mentioned approaches and methods are discussed.