Molecular functions of metallothionein and its role in hematological malignancies

Journal of Hematology & Oncology

Shinichiro Takahashi¹ 

[1] Division of Hematology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, 252-0373, Japan

关键词: Hematological malignancies;    Molecular function;    Metallothionein (MT);   

Others  :  822310
DOI  :  10.1186/1756-8722-5-41

 received in 2012-06-22, accepted in 2012-07-27,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Metallothionein (MT) was reported to be a potential negative regulator of apoptosis, and various reports have suggested that it may play roles in carcinogenesis and drug resistance, in at least a portion of cancer cells. The author summarizes the current understanding of the molecular functions of MT for tumor cell growth and drug resistance. These activities are regulated through intracellular metal ion modulation and free radical scavenging. Compared with analyses of solid tumors, few studies have analyzed the roles of MT in hematological malignancies. This review mainly describes the functions of MT in hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, through expression analyses of leukemias and lymphomas, the roles of MT in the biology of these diseases are particularly focused upon.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Takahashi; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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