Metallothionein: a multifunctional protein from toxicity to cancer.
Int J Biol Markers
; 18(3): 162-9, 2003.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-14535585
The metallothionein (MT) family is a class of low molecular weight, intracellular and cysteine-rich proteins presenting high affinity for metal ions. Although the members of this family were discovered nearly 40 years ago, their functional significance remains obscure. Four major MT isoforms, MT-1, MT-2, MT-3 and MT-4, have been identified in mammals. MTs are involved in many pathophysiological processes such as metal ion homeostasis and detoxification, protection against oxidative damage, cell proliferation and apoptosis, chemoresistance and radiotherapy resistance. MT isoforms have been shown to be involved in several aspects of the carcinogenic process, cancer development and progression. MT expression has been implicated as a transient response to any form of stress or injury providing cytoprotective action. Although MT participates in the carcinogenic process, its use as a potential marker of tumor differentiation or cell proliferation, or as a predictor of poor prognosis remains unclear. In the present review the involvement of MT in defense mechanisms to toxicity and in carcinogenicity is discussed.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Metalotioneína
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Biol Markers
Asunto de la revista:
BIOQUIMICA
/
NEOPLASIAS
Año:
2003
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Grecia
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos