title: Transient response of amplified metallothionein genes in CHO cells to induction by alpha interferon.
abstract: Alpha interferon treatment of CHO cells elicits the rapid synthesis of many gene products, including metallothionein (MT), a protein which avidly binds heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, and copper. Since MTs appear to have a pleiotropic role in the cell, ranging from metal detoxification to free-radical scavenging, interferon treatment may trigger a generalized defense mechanism. Activation by interferon, however, was transient, with MT mRNA being maximally detectable by a cytodot procedure within the first hour. Subsequent addition of interferon was ineffective until 7 h after the initial treatment. The action of zinc, a potent inducer of MT, however, remained independent of alpha interferon induction. The transient nature of induction by interferon was examined for altered rate of MT mRNA turnover.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D006224:Cricetinae; D005784:Gene Amplification / Q000187:drug effects; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D002104:Cadmium; D008668:Metallothionein; D015032:Zinc