Metallothionein 1X pseudogene 1 (MT1XP1)

Metallothionein 1X pseudogene 1 (MT1XP1) is a human pseudogene related to the metallothionein superfamily, specifically resembling the active Metallothionein 1X gene (MT1X). Metallothioneins as a class are small, cysteine-rich proteins involved in metal ion (e.g., zinc, copper, cadmium) binding and detoxification, and play roles in homeostasis and cellular protection against oxidative stress[2][3][4]. Pseudogenes such as MT1XP1 do not encode functional proteins; they are generally regarded as "genomic fossils" and, in most cases, are not transcribed or translated into protein[1][6]. There is no evidence that MT1XP1 produces a functional transcript or protein, nor is it listed among disease-associated or drug-targeted entities in current biomedical resources[3][6]. Key points and context: Pseudogenes are DNA sequences similar to known genes but generally non-functional due to mutations, insertions, or deletions that prevent protein expression[1][6]. MT1X (the active gene) is a protein-coding metallothionein gene involved in metal ion transport, detoxification, and cellular stress response[2][3][4]. However, MT1XP1 is not the same as MT1X. Therapeutic targeting: The pseudogene does not fit criteria for being a therapeutic target such as enzyme, transporter, receptor, or similar protein type. Scientific accuracy: The use of "MT1XP1" as a protein target is incorrect; careful distinction must be made between functional metallothioneins (e.g., MT1X) and their pseudogene counterparts, which do not possess biological or pharmacological activity. If the intent was to refer to the functionally active protein, use "Metallothionein 1X" (MT1X); if addressing a potential regulatory or competitive RNA function from the pseudogene, this is currently unsupported in the literature and should be marked as not a valid target[3][4].

Other names

Metallothionein 1X pseudogeneMT1XPMetallothionein pseudogene 1