Metallothionein gene expression in human adipose tissue from lean and obese subjects.
Expression of the gene encoding metallothionein, a low molecular-weight cysteine-rich, stress-response and metal-binding protein was examined in human adipose tissue. The mRNA for MT-2A, a major metallothionein isoform in humans, was detected in subcutaneous fat using a specific antisense oligonucleotide probe. The level of MT-2A mRNA was significantly higher in a group of obese subjects than in a lean group, paralleling a similar increase in ob mRNA. A two-week period on a diet of 800 calories/day did not lead to any significant change in MT-2 mRNA levels. Separation of mature adipocytes from the cells of the stromal vascular fraction indicated that in human adipose tissue the metallothionein (MT-2A) gene is expressed both in adipocytes and in other cells of the tissue.
Do
M-S
MS
School of Bioscience and Food Technology, Handong University, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Korea.
Nam
S-Y
SY
Hong
S-E
SE
Kim
K W
KW
Duncan
J S
JS
Beattie
J H
JH
Trayhurn
P
P
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis
D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D008668:Metallothionein