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Journal of Hematology & Oncology
Published in: Journal of Hematology & Oncology 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Review

Molecular functions of metallothionein and its role in hematological malignancies

Author: Shinichiro Takahashi

Published in: Journal of Hematology & Oncology | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Metallothionein (MT) was reported to be a potential negative regulator of apoptosis, and various reports have suggested that it may play roles in carcinogenesis and drug resistance, in at least a portion of cancer cells. The author summarizes the current understanding of the molecular functions of MT for tumor cell growth and drug resistance. These activities are regulated through intracellular metal ion modulation and free radical scavenging. Compared with analyses of solid tumors, few studies have analyzed the roles of MT in hematological malignancies. This review mainly describes the functions of MT in hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, through expression analyses of leukemias and lymphomas, the roles of MT in the biology of these diseases are particularly focused upon.
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Metadata
Title
Molecular functions of metallothionein and its role in hematological malignancies
Author
Shinichiro Takahashi
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Hematology & Oncology / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1756-8722
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-8722-5-41

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