Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Marc Kantorow.
Abstract
Purpose. Metallothioneins (MT s) are a large family of proteins involved in multiple protective pathways, including binding of toxic metals and oxidative stress. Previously we detected increased expression of MT IIA in age-related human cataractous lenses. As a first step towards defining the function of MTs in the lens, we sought to establish the expression patterns of those MT isoforms expressed by the adult human lens and identify those toxic heavy metal inducers of MT IIA. Conclusions. This data establishes the spectrum of MTs expressed by the human lens, defines their spatial expression patterns (mRNA and protein level) and establishes that MT RA is induced by CdCl2 and ZnCl2 but surprisingly not by CuCl2 in cultured HLE cells. These data suggest a role for different isoforms of MT in different portions of the lens and also suggests that regulation of MT transcription may play an important role in lens homeostasis and cataract.
Recommended Citation
Opperman, Brian Patrick, "Identification, localization and metal-catalyzed induction of specific metallothionein isoforms expressed by the adult human lens" (2001). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1265.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1265