MT1A encodes Metallothionein-1A, a small cysteine-rich protein that binds metal ions (particularly zinc and copper) and plays crucial roles in metal homeostasis, oxidative stress protection, and neuroprotection. Metallothioneins are expressed throughout the brain and are upregulated in various neurodegenerative conditions. MT1A has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. This page covers MT1A structure, function, disease associations, and therapeutic potential. [1]
| Property | Value | [2]
|----------|-------| [3]
| Gene Symbol | MT1A |
| Full Name | Metallothionein-1A |
| Chromosomal Location | 16q13 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 4489 |
| OMIM ID | 156360 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000125148 |
| UniProt ID | P07148 |
| Encoded Protein | Metallothionein-1A |
| Protein Size | 61 amino acids (~6-7 kDa) |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy |
Metallothioneins are small (60-68 amino acids), cysteine-rich proteins lacking aromatic residues. MT1A contains 20 conserved cysteine residues that coordinate 7 metal ions (typically Zn²⁺ or Cu⁺). The protein adopts a two-domain structure:
The metal-thiolate clusters provide structural stability and enable rapid metal exchange, making metallothioneins ideal for metal homeostasis and redox buffering.
MT1A binds:
The metal binding is reversible, allowing MT1A to serve as a metal buffer and participate in zinc/copper signaling.
MT1A regulates intracellular levels of essential metals:
Metallothioneins are powerful antioxidants:
In the nervous system, MT1A:
MT1A expression is altered in AD brain:
In PD:
In ALS:
MT1A expression increases in response to seizures and may provide neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.
| Region | Expression Level |
|---|---|
| Cerebral cortex | High |
| Hippocampus | High |
| Cerebellum | Moderate |
| Substantia nigra | Moderate |
| Spinal cord | Moderate |
| Astrocytes | High |
| Microglia | Low-Moderate |
| Neurons | Moderate |
Expression is induced by:
Metallothioneins are being explored as therapeutic agents: