Metallothionein-3 (MT3) Human Recombinant Protein

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]

MT3: Binds heavy metals. Contains three zinc and three copper atoms per polypeptide chain and only a negligible amount of cadmium. Inhibits survival and neurite formation of cortical neurons in vitro. Belongs to the metallothionein superfamily. Type 1 family.

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 16q13

Cellular Component: synaptic vesicle; perinuclear region of cytoplasm; cytoplasm; intracellular; inclusion body

Molecular Function: antioxidant activity; protein binding; copper ion binding; zinc ion binding; caspase inhibitor activity; drug binding; cadmium ion binding; protein kinase activator activity

Biological Process: positive regulation of catalytic activity; negative regulation of autophagy; removal of superoxide radicals; positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; negative regulation of axon extension; negative regulation of caspase activity; positive regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling pathway; zinc ion homeostasis; cadmium ion homeostasis; cellular lipid catabolic process; histone modification; protein kinase B signaling cascade; negative regulation of neuron apoptosis; cholesterol catabolic process; regulation of response to food; protein stabilization; activation of protein kinase B; cellular zinc ion homeostasis; zinc ion transport; regulation of protein amino acid glycosylation; leptin-mediated signaling pathway; astrocyte development; cell proliferation; cellular metal ion homeostasis; protein import into nucleus, translocation; negative regulation of oxidoreductase activity; response to hypoxia; energy reserve metabolic process; positive regulation of protein amino acid phosphorylation; negative regulation of cell growth; negative regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; negative regulation of apoptosis