Metallothionein isoforms gene expression induced by cadmium in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Chang, X.-l.; Jin, T.-y.; Zhou, Y.-f.
Wei Sheng Yan Jiu 34(2): 137-140
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1000-8020 PMID: 15952643 Document Number: 587516
To explore gene expression of metallothionein 1 (MT-1) isoforms in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. mRNA of expression representing the seven active subtypes of MT-1 gene was determined in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) before and after exposure to cadmium by quantitative RT-PCR. Basal expression of MT-1X, MT-1A in HPBLs was similar to expression of the housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. In contrast, the basal gene expression of MT-1H, MT-1F, MT-1E, MT-1G was a little transcript in HPBLs. No signal was detected for the MT-1B. There was a sex difference (P < 0.05) in basal gene expression of MT-1E. The level of gene expression of MT-1A, MT-1E, MT-1F, MT-1G, MT-1H and MT-1X was significantly increased (P < 0.05), but not the level of MT-1B after exposure to cadmium. It was suggested that gene expression of MT-1F, MT-1G, MT-1H and 1X in HPBLs could be used as potential exposure biomarker.