Horm Metab Res 2002; 34(6): 348-351
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-33254
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Metallothionein Gene Expression in Human Adipose Tissue from Lean and Obese Subjects

M.-S.  Do 1 , S.-Y.  Nam 2 , S.-E.  Hong 1 , K.  W.  Kim 2 , J.  S.  Duncan 3 , J.  H.  Beattie 3 , P.  Trayhurn 3
  • 1School of Bioscience and Food Technology, Handong University, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Korea
  • 2Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
  • 3Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, U.K.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 6 December 2001

Accepted after Revision 28 February 2002

Publication Date:
12 August 2002 (online)

Abstract

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.

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Prof. P. Trayhurn, FRSE

Department of Medicine · University of Liverpool

University Clinical Departments · Liverpool L69 3GA · United Kingdom ·

Phone: + 44 (151) 706 4033

Fax: + 44 (151) 706 5802

Email: p.trayhurn@liverpool.ac.uk