Metal Response Element-Binding TF

Metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) regulates the expression of genes in response to metal ions and oxidative stress. MTF-1 binds to metal response elements in the metallothionein promoter and activates transcription in response to metals and oxidative stress. Metal-responsive control of the expression of genes involved in metal metabolism and metal homeostasis allows cells to tightly regulate the free or bioavailable concentration of beneficial metal ions, such as zinc, copper, and iron, within an acceptable range. We have established an MRF luciferase reporter stable cell line that has been stably transfected with pTA-MRF-luciferase reporter vector, which contains 4 repeats of MRF binding elements, a minimal promoter upstream of the firefly luciferase coding region. Luciferase activity is specifically associated with the activity of MRF. Therefore, the cell line can be used as a reporter system for monitoring the activation of MRF triggered by metal ion treatment.