Chromosomal Location of Human Metallothionein Genes: Implications for Menkes' Disease

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Abstract
Human metallothioneins are encoded by a complex multigene family. The chromosomal location of these genes has been determined by gel transfer hybridization analysis of the DNA from human-rodent cell hybrids. Chromosome 16 contains a cluster of metallothionein sequences, including two functional metallothionein I genes and a functional metallothionein II gene. The remaining sequences, including a processed pseudogene, are dispersed to at least four other autosomes. The absence of metallothionein sequences from the X chromosome indicates that Menkes' disease, an X-linked disorder of copper metabolism, affects metallothionein expression by a trans-acting mechanism.