The elusive function of metallothioneins
1998; National Academy of Sciences; Volume: 95; Issue: 15 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1073/pnas.95.15.8428
ISSN1091-6490
Autores Tópico(s)Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity
ResumoBiochemistry and genetics are both required to elucidate the function of macromolecules. There is no question that metallothioneins (MTs) have unique biochemical properties, but genetic experiments have not substantiated the importance of MTs under physiological conditions. Even after thousands of studies describing the structure, biochemical characteristics, tissue distribution, induction, and consequences of genetic disruption and deliberate overexpression, the evolutionary forces that led to the initial appearance, gene duplications, and nearly ubiquitous expression of MTs remain enigmatic.
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