MTF1

This gene encodes a transcription factor that induces expression of metallothioneins and other genes involved in metal homeostasis in response to heavy metals such as cadmium, zinc, copper, and silver. The protein is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein that accumulates in the nucleus upon heavy metal exposure and binds to promoters containing a metal-responsive element (MRE). [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

metal-regulatory transcription factor 1

Function

Zinc-dependent transcriptional regulator of cellular adaption to conditions of exposure to heavy metals (PubMed:8065932).

Binds to metal responsive elements (MRE) in promoters and activates the transcription of metallothionein genes like metallothionein-2/MT2A (PubMed:8065932).

Also regulates the expression of metalloproteases in response to intracellular zinc and functions as a catabolic regulator of cartilages (By similarity).

Biological Process

Cartilage homeostasis Source: Ensembl
Cellular response to zinc ion Source: Ensembl
Central nervous system development Source: GO_Central
Positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: NTNU_SB
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central
Response to cadmium ion Source: Ensembl
Response to metal ion Source: ProtInc
Response to oxidative stress Source: Ensembl
Transcription, DNA-templated Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Note: Translocation to the nucleus is induced by metals.