Metallothionein 1X (MT1X) (MT1X)

Metallothionein 1X (MT1X) is a low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich protein belonging to the metallothionein family, which is essential for regulating metal ion homeostasis and providing cellular protection against heavy metal toxicity [UniProt P0JXW7]. It functions by binding divalent heavy metals such as zinc, copper, and cadmium, and it also acts as a potent antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) [NCBI Gene 4499]. In clinical oncology, MT1X is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer, where it is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis [PMID: 29130018]. A major therapeutic challenge associated with MT1X is its role in conferring resistance to platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, by sequestering the drug and preventing it from reaching its DNA targets [PMID: 15121171]. While MT1X is not a traditional druggable receptor, its mRNA and protein levels serve as important biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy resistance and disease recurrence [PMID: 24561548]. Current research explores the use of antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA to target MT1X mRNA, aiming to sensitize resistant cancer cells to treatment [PMID: 10433514].

Other names

MT-1XMetallothionein-1XMetallothionein-IXMT1MT1X protein

Sequestration of metal-based chemotherapeutic agents and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS)