Metallothionein 1 isoform gene expression induced by cadmium in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
OBJECTIVE
To study the gene expression of metallothionein 1 (MT-1) isoforms in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs).


METHODS
The expression of mRNA representing the seven active MT-1 genes was determined in HPBLs by quantitative RT-PCR before and after exposure to cadmium.


RESULTS
Basal expressions of MT-1X, and MT-1A in HPBLs were similar to expression of housekeeping gene. In contrast, the basal gene expressions of MT-1H, 1F, 1E, and 1G were a little transcripts in human HPBLs. No signal was detected for MT-1B. There was a sex difference (P < 0.05). in basal gene expression of MT-1E. The levels of gene expression of MT-1A, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, and 1X increased, but the level of MT-1B did not increase after exposure to cadmium.


CONCLUSIONS
Gene expressions of MT-1G, MT-1H, MT-1F, and MT-1X in HPBLs can be used as a potential biomarker of cadmium exposure.
Chang
Xiu-Li
XL
Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Jin
Tai-Yi
TY
Zhou
Yuan-Fen
YF
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D002104:Cadmium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017931:DNA Primers; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D015415:Biomarkers; D017931:DNA Primers; D020033:Protein Isoforms; C407523:metallothionein isoform 1; D002104:Cadmium; D008668:Metallothionein