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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 348-351 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Hormone and Metabolic Research |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2002 |
Keywords
- adipocytes
- diet
- northern blotting
- resistin
- secreted proteins
- primary culture
- preadipocytes
- endocrine
- secretion
- differentiation
- family
- organ
- fat