The elusive function of metallothioneins
RD Palmiter - Proceedings of the National Academy of …, 1998 - National Acad Sciences
RD Palmiter
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1998•National Acad SciencesBiochemistry and genetics are both required to elucidate the function of macromolecules.
There is no question that metallothioneins (MTs) have unique biochemical properties, but
genetic experiments have not substantiated the importance of MTs under physiological
conditions. Even after thousands of studies describing the structure, biochemical
characteristics, tissue distribution, induction, and consequences of genetic disruption and
deliberate overexpression, the evolutionary forces that led to the initial appearance, gene …
There is no question that metallothioneins (MTs) have unique biochemical properties, but
genetic experiments have not substantiated the importance of MTs under physiological
conditions. Even after thousands of studies describing the structure, biochemical
characteristics, tissue distribution, induction, and consequences of genetic disruption and
deliberate overexpression, the evolutionary forces that led to the initial appearance, gene …
Biochemistry and genetics are both required to elucidate the function of macromolecules. There is no question that metallothioneins (MTs) have unique biochemical properties, but genetic experiments have not substantiated the importance of MTs under physiological conditions. Even after thousands of studies describing the structure, biochemical characteristics, tissue distribution, induction, and consequences of genetic disruption and deliberate overexpression, the evolutionary forces that led to the initial appearance, gene duplications, and nearly ubiquitous expression of MTs remain enigmatic.
National Acad Sciences