METALLOTHIONEIN II Meaning and
Definition
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Metallothioneins are a family of small, cysteine-rich proteins that have a high affinity for metal ions. Metallothionein II, specifically, is a subtype of metallothionein that is found primarily in humans and some other mammals. It is coded by the MT2A gene.
Metallothionein II plays a crucial role in maintaining metal homeostasis within the body. It functions as a metal chaperone, binding to and regulating the levels of various essential and toxic metal ions, including zinc, copper, cadmium, and others. This protein is highly inducible, meaning its production increases in response to metal exposure or stress. In particular, Metallothionein II is known for its ability to scavenge toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium, and prevent their harmful effects.
The structure of Metallothionein II is characterized by its high cysteine content, which allows for the binding and sequestration of metal ions. It consists of about 61 amino acid residues that form a compact, globular structure with multiple metal-binding domains. Each domain contains several cysteine residues, which coordinate metal ions through thiolate bonds.
Metallothionein II has been implicated in various physiological processes, including cellular development, antioxidative defense, detoxification, and immune response. Its role in metal regulation and detoxification makes it particularly important in combating heavy metal poisoning and maintaining cellular metal homeostasis. Furthermore, Metallothionein II has been associated with certain pathological conditions, such as carcinogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its significance in human health and disease.
Common Misspellings for METALLOTHIONEIN II
- metallothionin i
- netallothionein ii
- ketallothionein ii
- jetallothionein ii
- mwtallothionein ii
- mstallothionein ii
- mdtallothionein ii
- mrtallothionein ii
- m4tallothionein ii
- m3tallothionein ii
- merallothionein ii
- mefallothionein ii
- megallothionein ii
- meyallothionein ii
- me6allothionein ii
- me5allothionein ii
- metzllothionein ii
- metsllothionein ii
- metwllothionein ii
- metqllothionein ii
Etymology of METALLOTHIONEIN II
The word "metallothionein" has a Greek and Latin etymology. It is derived from the Greek words "metallon", meaning "metal", and "theion", meaning "sulfur", combined with the Latin suffix "-in", used to indicate the protein nature of the molecule.
The addition of "II" in "metallothionein II" indicates a specific isoform or variant of the metallothionein protein. The use of numericals in protein names often represents different genetic variations or modifications of the same protein family. Each isoform may have variations in amino acid sequence or expression patterns, resulting in different functional properties.
