Effects of Arsenic Compounds on Human Metallothionein-3 cDNA Gene Expression / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effects of arsenic compounds on metallothionein-3 gene expression in human normal hepatic cells. Methods cDNAs were cloned by SMART method. Bioinformatics was utilized to analyze the homologue, chromosomal localization, structure and encoding protein of the cloned gene and the trans-membrane information of the encoding protein. Metallothionein-3 gene expression level in L-02 cell line treated by arsenite was determined by cDNA microarrays. Results Metallothionein-3 cDNA gene was cloned and located in the chromosome 16q13. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that the protein encoded by metallothionein-3 gene could cross the biologic membrane. Metallothionein-3 gene expression up-regulation in human normal hepatic L-02 cell line was found by cDNA microarrays in the early stage after the cells being exposed to arsenite. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the human metallothionein-3 gene was arsenic related gene and this gene might play a vital role in the detoxification metabolism of arsenic compounds at early stage.