[Location and effects of metallothioneins in male reproductive system].
Metallothioneins (MTs) are a group of intracellular proteins of low molecular weight and rich cysteine, encoded by a family of genes containing at least 10 functional isoforms in human. MTs widely exist in the male reproductive system and are involved in many pathophysiological processes such as metal ion homeostasis and detoxification, protection against oxidative damage, cell proliferation and apoptosis, chemoresistance and radiotherapy resistance. This review describes the location and effects of MTs in the male reproductive system.
Shang
Xue-Jun
XJ
Department of Andrology, School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University Medical College, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
Wu
Yi
Y
Huang
Yu-Feng
YF
D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D008668:Metallothionein