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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Metallothionein-2A (MT2A)
- Target
- MT2A
- Molecular classification
- Metallothionein family, Metal-binding protein, Intrinsically disordered protein, Non-enzymatic polypeptide
01
Overview
Metallothionein-2A (MT2A) is a small, cysteine-rich, non-enzymatic protein that binds divalent heavy metal ions (such as zinc and copper) through thiol groups, regulating their distribution and detoxification in human cells. MT2A acts as an antioxidant, modulates cell survival pathways, and participates in regulation of apoptosis and proliferation, particularly in stress response and cancer. Its expression is transcriptionally controlled by metal exposure and certain hormones, and genetic variants can influence disease susceptibility. MT2A is a member of the vertebrate metallothionein family, widely expressed and functionally pivotal in metal homeostasis, oxidative stress defense, and the pathogenesis of several diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and renal dysfunction.
- Other names
- Metallothionein-2MT2ACES1MT2MT-2MT-IIMetallothionein-IImetallothionein-2metallothionein-II
02
Mechanism of action
Drugs or xenobiotics (e.g. heavy metals, glucocorticoids) induce MT2A gene expression via metal-responsive transcription factors and receptors (e.g., aryl hydrocarbon receptor, glucocorticoid receptor), leading to increased sequestration of metals and cytoprotection
03
Biological functions
Metal ion homeostasis (especially zinc and copper)Detoxification of heavy metalsAntioxidant defenseRegulation of apoptosisRegulation of autophagyCell proliferationControl of intracellular redox statesRegulation of zinc-dependent proteins (e.g., p53)Immune defense response
04
Disease associations
Cancer (promotes tumor invasion, chemoresistance, proliferation)Cardiovascular diseaseRenal dysfunctionDiabetes (type 2)InflammationNeurodegenerative disease (indirect role through metal homeostasis)Infection (modulation of immune response)
05
Safety considerations
High MT2A expression may promote tumorigenesis and chemoresistanceMT2A polymorphisms can influence susceptibility to diseasesOverexpression may suppress apoptosis and promote cell proliferation in cancerMetal overload or deficiency during altered MT2A function may affect tissue health
06
Interacting drugs
Cadmium salts
3 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
MT2A expression level (for cancer prognosis and metal exposure risk)MT2A promoter polymorphism (risk marker for diabetes and cardiovascular disease)Tissue accumulation of heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead) with altered MT2A expression
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