文摘
Metallothionein MTT1 and MTT2 from Tetrahymena thermophila are sulfydryl-rich proteins that can bind to and are inducible by heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, zinc, and copper. However, little is known about the induction and binding of T. thermophila metallothionein by trivalent metals. In this study, we found that 10-0?μM La3+ can promote Tetrahymena cells proliferation, and fluorescence spectrum analysis showed that La3+ can enter T. thermophila cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed La3+ induced the expression of MTT1 and MTT2. Furthermore, Fluorescence analysis indicated La3+ bind to MTT1 and MTT2. These results implied that La3+ could interact with MTT1 and MTT2 via aspartic or glutamic acid oxygen atoms.