Expression of Metallothionein MTT1 and MTT2 from Tetrahymena thermophila Exposed to SO2, NaCl and Tris-HCl

Abstract

The mRNA levels of two components of Tetrahymena thermophila metallothionein (MT) gene families, MTT1 and MTT2, were evaluated using real-time quantitative-PCR when cells were exposed to SO2 derivatives, high-salt and Tris-HCl. The MTT1 expression level was higher by SO₂ derivatives and Tris-HCl stress than MTT2. The influence of high-salt for MTT1 and MTT2 mRNA levels were weak. The results provided evidence that MTT1 protein act as an important role against the damage of SO₂ derivatives and beginning of starvation and MTT1 and MTT2 protein act a small role in anti-high-salt.