金属硫蛋白在辐射照射中的诱导及防护作用

Induction and protective effects of metallothionein under radiation exposure

金属硫蛋白(Metallothionein,简称MT)是一类广泛存在于生物体内的低分子量(约6-7 ku),富含半胱氨酸(30％),能被诱导合成的金属结合蛋白。其生物功能广泛,主要参与微量元素的贮存、运输和代谢,有拮抗电离辐射,清除自由基等多种作用。介绍了MT的分类、MT基因结构、基因放大和基因调控,MT合成的辐射诱导及其机理以及MT在辐射照射中所起的保护作用。

Metallothioneins (MT) are low-molecualr weight (about 6- 7ku) and cysteine-rich (30%) metal-binding proteins, and their synthesis can be induced by radiation exposure. Biological functions of MT include mainly micronutrient, storage, transportation and metabolism, resistance to ionizing radiations, scavenger of free radicals and metal detoxification. The paper gives a review on MT classification, MT genes structure, gene amplification and regulation, radiation induced synthesis of MT and the mechanisms, and protective effects of MT to ionizing radiations.