MT1 Antibodies

Background

MT1 belongs to the metallothionein family and is a type of low-molecular-weight protein rich in cysteine that is widely present in eukaryotes. This protein can specifically bind to heavy metal ions such as zinc and copper, and mainly participates in the homeostasis maintenance and detoxification process of metal ions in the body. In liver and kidney tissues, MT1 ensures the normal physiological functions of cells by regulating the storage and release of essential trace elements and neutralizing the toxicity of excessive heavy metals. This protein family was first isolated and identified from horse kidneys by Margoshes and Vallee in 1960. Its unique thiol cluster structure can serve as a classic model for studying the mechanism of metal chaperone and oxidative stress response, providing an important molecular research basis for understanding cellular defense mechanisms, environmental toxicology and metal biology.

Structure Function Application Advantage Our Products

Structure of MT1

MT1 (metallothionein 1) is a low-molecular-weight protein with a molecular weight of approximately 6-7 kDa. Its precise molecular weight varies slightly due to species specificity and isomer differences.

Species	Human	Mouse	Rat	Zebrafish	Bovine
Molecular Weight (kDa)	6.1	6.0	6.1	6.3	6.0
Primary Structural Differences	Contains 20 cysteines	Conservative cysteine arrangement	Highly homologous to rats	Retain 12 cysteines	Typical structure of mammals

This protein is composed of approximately 61 amino acids, including 20 highly conserved cysteine residues, which complex divalent metal ions through their thiol groups. The protein skeleton folds into two independent metal-binding domains (α domain and β domain), forming a unique spherical conformation. The β domain at the N-terminal mainly binds to zinc ions to maintain structural stability, while the α domain at the C-terminal has a higher affinity for copper ions. This coordination center composed of cysteine clusters not only determines its metal binding ability but also makes it exhibit a characteristic absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet region.

Fig. 1:The domain structure of MT1-MMP is indicated. Fig. 1 The domain structure of MT1-MMP is indicated.¹

Key structural properties of MT1:

Unique dual-domain spherical structure
Metal-bound clusters rich in cysteine
Binding of divalent metal ions by sulfhydryl coordination bonds

Functions of MT1

The main function of the MT1 gene-encoded protein is to maintain the homeostasis of metal ions within cells and detoxify. In addition, it is also involved in a variety of physiological processes, including oxidative stress responses and cellular protection.

Function	Description
Detoxification of heavy metals	By chelating excessive toxic metals such as cadmium and mercury through cysteine residues, cytotoxicity is reduced.
Necessary metal adjustment	Participate in the storage and release of essential trace elements such as zinc and copper, and maintain metabolic balance.
Oxidative stress protection	Eliminate free radicals, alleviate the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to cells, and exert antioxidant effects.
Regulation of inflammatory response	Expression in the process of immunity and inflammation, cell response to environmental stress.
Development and differentiation support	Provides the necessary supply of metal ions for embryonic development and differentiation of certain tissues.

The MT1 protein has a much higher affinity for heavy metals than essential metals, enabling it to prioritize detoxification when metals are overloaded. This characteristic makes it an important indicator in environmental toxicology and cellular defense research.

Applications of MT1 and MT1 Antibody in Literature

1. Tanaka, Noritaka, and Takeharu Sakamoto. "MT1-MMP as a key regulator of metastasis." Cells 12.17 (2023): 2187. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12172187

The article indicates that MT1-MMP is a membrane matrix metalloproteinase that promotes cancer invasion and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix and activating MMP-2. It can also enhance sugar metabolism through non-protease pathways. Recent research on its specific inhibitors has provided a new direction for cancer treatment.

2. Gu, Chao, et al. "Microglial MT1 activation inhibits LPS‐induced neuroinflammation via regulation of metabolic reprogramming." Aging cell 20.6 (2021): e13375. https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13375

The article indicates that MT1-MMP promotes cancer invasion and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix and activating MMP-2. It can also non-proteinally enhance sugar metabolism. The research on its specific inhibitors provides a new direction for cancer treatment.

3. Liu, Jinlong, et al. "Potential target within the tumor microenvironment-MT1-MMP." Frontiers in Immunology 16 (2025): 1517519. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1517519

The article indicates that the membrane protease MT1-MMP drives tumor invasion and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix. Its overexpression is associated with the poor prognosis of various cancers and is an important therapeutic target. This article reviews the structure, function of MT1-MMP and the current status and prospects of its targeted therapy.

4. Knapinska, Anna M., et al. "Screening MT1-MMP Activity and Inhibition in Three-Dimensional Tumor Spheroids." Biomedicines 11.2 (2023): 562. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020562

In this study, a tumor sphere model based on collagen hydrogel was developed, and its enzymatic activity was quantified using MT1-MMP-specific fluorescent substrates. This model confirmed that glioma invasion depends on MT1-MMP and can screen its inhibitors in high throughput, providing an efficient platform for the research and development of anti-cancer drugs.

5. Suárez, Henar, et al. "Regulation of MT1-MMP activity through its association with ERMs." Cells 9.2 (2020): 348. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9020348

Research has found that MT1-MMP binds to ERM cytoskeletal junction proteins through a positive charge cluster in its intracellular segment. This interaction dominates the self-processing of MT1-MMP on the cell membrane and its collagen degradation activity, thereby regulating the key function of this enzyme in tumor cell invasion.

Creative Biolabs: MT1 Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality MT1 antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

Custom MT1 Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our MT1 antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.

Reference

Kelly, Hannah, Masaki Inada, and Yoshifumi Itoh. "The diverse pathways for cell surface MT1-MMP localization in migratory cells." Cells 14.3 (2025): 209. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14030209