MTF1
Description
The MTF1 (metal regulatory transcription factor 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The MTF1 gene encodes a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in metal homeostasis. It responds to heavy metals like cadmium, zinc, copper, and silver by inducing the expression of metallothioneins and other genes involved in managing these metals. MTF1 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, meaning it moves between the nucleus and cytoplasm. When exposed to heavy metals, it accumulates in the nucleus and binds to promoters containing a metal-responsive element (MRE). This binding activates the transcription of genes involved in metal detoxification and regulation.
MTF1 is a zinc-dependent transcriptional regulator that helps cells adapt to exposure to heavy metals. It binds to metal responsive elements (MRE) in promoters and activates the transcription of metallothionein genes like metallothionein-2/MT2A. MTF1 also regulates the expression of metalloproteases in response to intracellular zinc and functions as a catabolic regulator of cartilages.
MTF1 is also known as MTF-1, ZRF.
Associated Diseases
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- cancer
- familial pancreatic carcinoma
- familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
