DNA methylation of metallothionein genes is associated with the clinical features of renal cell carcinoma.

Metallothioneins are low‑weight cysteine‑rich proteins responsible for metal ion homeostasis in a cell and, thus, capable of regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Deregulation of metallothionein genes has been reported in various human tumors. However, their role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been poorly investigated.