MT1A: A Protein as A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker (G4489)

Target Name: MT1A

NCBI ID: G4489

MT1A: A Protein as A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

Metallothionein-IA (MT1A), a protein produced by the liver, has been identified as a potential drug target (or biomarker) for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease.

MT1A is a 14kDa protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of metal homeostasis in the body. It is composed of four subunits, each composed of a unique protein chain, and is expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart.

MT1A has been shown to be involved in the detoxification of harmful metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, which are often found in environmental and industrial settings. It has also been shown to play a role in the regulation of inflammation and immune response.

One of the unique features of MT1A is its ability to form stable inclusion complexes with heavy metals, which allows it to be used as a potential delivery agent for these metals. This has led to the interest in using MT1A as a drug or biomarker target for the treatment of heavy metal toxicity and neurotoxicity.

MT1A has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways, including the TGF-β pathway, which plays a role in the development and maintenance of tissues and organs. This has led to the interest in using MT1A as a potential drug target for the treatment of diseases that are characterized by TGF-β signaling pathway dysfunction, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.

In addition to its potential as a drug target, MT1A has also been shown to have potential as a biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases. For example, MT1A has been used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of neurotoxicity, including lead and arsenic exposure, as well as for the evaluation of the efficacy of cancer treatments.

MT1A has also been shown to have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and there is a significant need for effective treatments that can slow the progression of this disease and improve the quality of life for patients.

MT1A has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways that are involved in the development and maintenance of renal tissues, including the TGF-β pathway. This has led to the interest in using MT1A as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

In conclusion, MT1A is a protein that has been shown to be involved in a variety of cellular signaling pathways that are involved in the development and maintenance of tissues and organs. Its unique ability to form stable inclusion complexes with heavy metals and its potential as a drug target and biomarker make it an attractive target for further research and development. As research continues to advance, MT1A may become a valuable tool for the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Protein Name: Metallothionein 1A

Functions: Metallothioneins have a high content of cysteine residues that bind various heavy metals; these proteins are transcriptionally regulated by both heavy metals and glucocorticoids

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