MT3

This gene is a member of the metallothionein family of genes. Proteins encoded by this gene family are low in molecular weight, are cysteine-rich, lack aromatic residues, and bind divalent heavy metal ions. This gene family member displays tissue-specific expression, and contains a threonine insert near its N-terminus and a glutamate-rich hexapeptide insert near its C-terminus relative to the proteins encoded by other gene family members. It plays an important role in zinc and copper homeostasis, and is induced under hypoxic conditions. The encoded protein is a growth inhibitory factor, and reduced levels of the protein are observed in the brains of individuals with some metal-linked neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2017]

该基因隶属于金属硫蛋白家族。由该家族基因编码的蛋白质分子量较低，富含半胱氨酸，缺乏芳香族残基，并能与二价重金属离子结合。该家族成员表现出组织特异性表达，在其N端附近含有一个苏氨酸插入序列，以及相对于其他家族成员编码的蛋白质，其C端附近含有一个富含谷氨酸的六肽插入序列。它在锌和铜稳态调节中发挥着重要作用，并在缺氧条件下被诱导表达。编码的蛋白质是一种生长抑制因子，在患有某些与金属相关的神经退行性疾病（如阿尔茨海默病）的个体大脑中观察到蛋白质水平降低。[由RefSeq提供，2017年9月]