{"symbol":"MT2A","synonyms":["MT-II","MT2","MT-2"],"name":"metallothionein 2A","description":"This gene is a member of the metallothionein family of genes. Proteins encoded by this gene family are low in molecular weight, are cysteine-rich, lack aromatic residues, and bind divalent heavy metal ions, altering the intracellular concentration of heavy metals in the cell. These proteins act as anti-oxidants, protect against hydroxyl free radicals, are important in homeostatic control of metal in the cell, and play a role in detoxification of heavy metals. The encoded protein interacts with the protein encoded by the homeobox containing 1 gene in some cell types, controlling intracellular zinc levels, affecting apoptotic and autophagy pathways. Some polymorphisms in this gene are associated with an increased risk of cancer. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2017]","ncbiEntrezGeneId":4502,"ncbiEntrezGeneUrl":"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/4502","proteins":[{"symbol":"MT2_HUMAN","href":"/api/1.0/protein/MT2_HUMAN"}],"hgncRootFamilies":[{"name":"Metallothioneins (MT)","href":"/api/1.0/gene_family/Metallothioneins+%28MT%29"}]}