MT2A encodes Metallothionein-2A, a member of the metallothionein family of metal-binding proteins. Like other metallothioneins, MT2A plays essential roles in metal homeostasis, oxidative stress protection, and cellular defense. MT2A is highly expressed in the brain and is upregulated in response to various cellular stresses. It has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. This page covers MT2A structure, function, disease associations, and therapeutic potential. [1]
| Property | Value | [2]
|----------|-------| [3]
| Gene Symbol | MT2A | [4]
| Full Name | Metallothionein-2A |
| Chromosomal Location | 16q13 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 4502 |
| OMIM ID | 156361 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000125148 (actually MT1A cluster) |
| UniProt ID | P02795 |
| Encoded Protein | Metallothionein-2A |
| Protein Size | 61 amino acids (~6-7 kDa) |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cancer |
MT2A is highly homologous to other metallothioneins:
The protein has metal-thiolate clusters that provide structural stability and enable rapid metal exchange.
MT2A regulates intracellular zinc and copper levels:
MT2A is a potent antioxidant:
MT2A modulates immune responses:
MT2A in AD:
In PD:
MT2A expression increases following seizures and may provide neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.
MT2A is expressed in:
Expression is induced by:
MT2A is being investigated as a therapeutic target:
Coyle et al. Metallothionein in neurodegeneration (1995). 1995. ↩︎
Mirault et al. Metallothionein expression in neurodegenerative diseases (1999). 1999. ↩︎
West et al. Argonaute proteins in RNA interference (2004). 2004. ↩︎
Iwasaki et al. Argonaute function in the nervous system (2015). 2015. ↩︎