Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) protein consists of about 60 amino acids including 20 cysteine residues. MT as a lowmolecular weight intra-cellular protein is over-expressed in the cell exposed stressful conditions such as in the presence of heavy metals, starvation, heat, or inflammation. Recently, MT has been reported as an antioxidant proteins having an antioxidant effect to protect cells from oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress has been known as a cause of various diseases such as diabetes, diabetic complications and myocardial disease and has been also found to be associated with cancer. MT has potential as a therapeutic agent due to its excellent antioxidant effect and control of cell growth. Recombinant fusion metallothionein, which is fused a protein transduction domain or mitochondrial targeted domain into metallothionein, showed enhanced therapeutic effect. In addition, the expression of metallothionein was related anticancer drug sensitivity in the cancer cells and resistance. Because MT could control cell growth and survival, it is necessary to develop a therapeutic agent targeting MT. Therefore, we discussed the characteristics and therapeutic efficacy of metallothionein.
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