Abstract：Metallothionein-1(MT-1) is an ubiquitously dispersed metal-binding protein in animals, which serves in maintaining metal homeostasis and heavy metal detoxification, and also scavenges free radicals, resists ionize radiation and anti-stress. For further research on the molecular mechanism of MT-1 gene involved in stress resistance, full length cDNA sequence of MT-1 gene in Tianzhu white yak(Bos grunneins) was cloned by RT-PCR and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). Physicochemical property, structure and homology of MT-1 encoded protein were analyzed by bioinformatic methods. Real-time PCR was used to analyze MT-1 mRNA expression profile in different tissues of Tianzhu white yak. The result showed that the full length of MT-1 cDNA was 408 bp (GenBank accession No. KF770836), with an ORF (open reading frame) of 182 bp in length, which encoded 61 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 5.981 kD. The predicted amino acid sequences showed 100% similarity with Bos taurus, and was highly homologous with most mammalians. The mRNA expression of MT-1 gene was found in 8 different tissues of Tianzhu white yak by Real-time PCR, the highest expression level was found in heart. Therefore, the full length cDNA of MT-1 gene was successfully obtained, which provides basic data for further study on its function.
