The human genome contains at least 12 distinct metallothionein genes. The expression of these genes is regulated at the transcriptional levels by heavy metal ions, steroid hormones, interferon, interleukin 1 and phorbol esters. Comparisons of metallothionein gene sequences reveals a higher level of heterogeneity in the 5' flanking control regions than in the coding regions. This is due to the presence of distinct promoter elements on each of the genes. These elements are responsible for inducer and tissue specificity of metallothionein gene expression.
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