MT1M

MT1M, short for metallothionein-1M, is a protein-coding gene in humans that belongs to the metallothionein family. Metallothioneins are small, cysteine-rich proteins that bind zinc, copper, and other metal ions, supporting metal ion homeostasis, detoxification, and protection against oxidative stress.

MT1M is one of several MT1 isoforms produced from the MT1M gene. The MT1 gene family is organized in clusters and expressed in many tissues, with elevated expression in the liver and kidney and inducible expression in response to metal exposure and inflammatory signals. Transcriptional activation is commonly mediated by metal-regulatory transcription factors that respond to intracellular metal levels.

In normal physiology, MT1M contributes to buffering intracellular metal availability and to scavenging reactive species, helping to maintain cellular metal balance and protect against metal-induced injury.

Clinical and research interest in MT1M has grown in the context of cancer and epigenetics. Some studies have reported downregulation of MT1M expression due to promoter methylation in certain cancers, such as gastric cancer, suggesting a possible tumor-suppressive role. However, results vary across cancer types, and MT1M is not yet established as a clinical biomarker or target.

Beyond disease, MT1M is studied for its basic biology within the metallothionein family, contributing to our understanding of metal homeostasis and cellular defense mechanisms.