Metallothionein 1L (MT1L)

Metallothionein 1L (MT1L) is annotated as a member of the human metallothionein 1 (MT1) family, but current gene databases such as GeneCards and Alliance of Genome Resources designate it as a pseudogene that does not encode a functional protein[7]. Metallothioneins in general are small, cysteine-rich proteins that bind heavy metals (like zinc and cadmium) and act in metal detoxification and protection against oxidative stress[2][3][5]. However, MT1L itself lacks evidence of translation into an active protein and, therefore, has no demonstrated biological or clinical function. Other MT family members have roles in metal homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and disease, but MT1L should not be confused with them[1][2][3][4][5][7]. Note: MT1L is frequently mistaken for a protein-coding gene due to naming conventions, but it is not an active therapeutic target; any drug, disease, or function associations apply only to other metallothionein isoforms.

Other names

Metallothionein-1LMT1LMT-1LMT-ILMTFMT1RMT1LPMetallothionein-IL