What is MT1A (rs11076161)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Metal-binding antioxidant protein variant

MT1A (rs11076161) is a common genetic variant in the metallothionein 1A gene, which codes for a metal-binding, antioxidant protein. Measuring this variant helps explain individual differences in metal handling and cellular antioxidant capacity, adding context to measured toxicant burdens on the Toxin Zoomer.

View Toxin Zoomer

MT1A (rs11076161)

Quality and Security

High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.

fortified-health-HIPAA-compliance-pqgjtx4popoe2n0arp68hrz8h2as5rlhgng5b2srk8 1

About MT1A (rs11076161)

${ activeTab.tab_content.text }

View ${ activeTab.tab_content.btn_label }

About MT1A (rs11076161)

Overview and History

MT1A belongs to the metallothionein family: small, cysteine-rich proteins that bind zinc, copper, cadmium and other metals. The rs11076161 marker is a single-nucleotide polymorphism in or near the MT1A gene that has been studied for its association with changes in expression or functional response. Metallothioneins help regulate metal homeostasis, sequester potentially toxic metals, and participate in antioxidant defenses by buffering reactive oxygen species and modulating zinc availability for enzymes and signaling. Variants in MT1A can be associated with different cellular responses to metal exposure and oxidative stress, which is why they are included in toxicant-response research.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Because rs11076161 is a genetic variant, interpretation focuses on genotype-associated activity rather than a simple “level.” Genotypes linked with higher MT1A expression or activity may indicate greater cellular capacity to bind and sequester metals and to buffer oxidative stress. Genotypes associated with lower MT1A expression or function may suggest reduced metal-binding capacity and potentially altered sensitivity to metal-related oxidative challenges. These patterns are most informative when interpreted alongside urine toxicant measurements, other detoxification genes, and clinical context.

Featured Test

Toxin Zoomer includes MT1A (rs11076161) to provide genetic context for metal handling and antioxidant resilience. This marker helps clinicians interpret urinary metal and toxin results relative to an individual’s likely metallothionein-mediated response, contributing to a more personalized view of toxicant burden and detox capacity.

View Toxin Zoomer

MT1A (rs11076161) FAQs

What is MT1A (rs11076161) and why is it important?

MT1A (rs11076161) is a genetic variation in the gene that makes metallothionein 1A, a protein that binds metals and supports antioxidant defenses. Variations at this site are linked to differences in how the protein is produced or functions. Knowing this helps explain why people can differ in their handling of environmental metals and in patterns seen on toxin testing.

What does it mean if my MT1A (rs11076161) levels are low?

If your genotype is associated with lower MT1A expression or activity, it may indicate reduced cellular capacity to bind and sequester metals and to buffer oxidative stress. That pattern can help explain certain urine toxicant results or sensitivity patterns, but the genotype alone does not determine outcome. Clinical interpretation works best when combined with measured toxin levels and other genetic and exposure information.

What does it mean if my MT1A (rs11076161) levels are high?

If your genotype is associated with higher MT1A expression or activity, it may suggest greater ability to bind and sequester metals and to manage oxidative stress. This tendency can influence how metals are distributed or detected in testing, but its significance depends on measured exposures and other detoxification factors. Results should be interpreted within the full panel and clinical context.

Why is this biomarker included in the Toxin Zoomer?

MT1A (rs11076161) helps place measured metal and toxin levels into biological context by indicating likely metallothionein-mediated metal handling and antioxidant response. Combined with urinary toxicants and other detox genes, it refines interpretation of exposure patterns and supports more individualized assessment of environmental burden and resilience.

Browse Articles

How Mycotoxins Trigger Mast Cell Activation and Brain Inflammation

Many patients with chronic, unexplained symptoms have a history of mold exposure that’s never been fully explored. What begins as vague fatigue or hea...

Brendan Vermeire

Aug 13, 2025

Neural Health Toxins

How Toxin Exposure Impacts Your Cardiometabolic Health

A common theme among many of my nutrition clients is that despite eating well, staying active, and managing stress, they feel worn down, inflamed, and...

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Aug 13, 2025

Cardiovascular Health Toxins Longevity

Heavy Metals: Exposure, Oxidative Stress, & Disease Development

Heavy metals are found naturally on Earth in soil, rocks, bodies of water, and in trace amounts inthe atmosphere. However, human activities have alter...

Jamie Haleva

Jul 2, 2025

Toxins Longevity

The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Menopause: Exposure, Testing, and Solutions

By some estimates, environmental factors may be the cause of 24% of human diseases and disorders around the world, according to the Endocrine Society....

Leslie Weidner, RDN

Apr 23, 2025

Hormones Toxins

About Vibrant:

The Experts Behind  Every Test

Our team is built on collaboration across disciplines to advance the science of wellness and longevity. At Vibrant Wellness, lab scientists, technologists, clinical researchers, doctors, practitioners, longevity advisors, engineers, and regulatory experts work side by side to transform diagnostics.

By uniting diverse expertise under one mission, we pioneer precision testing that empowers providers to uncover root causes, personalize care plans, and optimize patient health outcomes. Every test we develop reflects this commitment—to push boundaries in functional medicine, deliver clear, actionable insights, and support clinicians in helping patients live healthier, longer lives.

View All Tests

Results trusted by over 18,000 functional wellness professionals

We’re the leading provider of specialty wellness lab testing because we develop our testing with rigorous, ongoing research by top clinical experts, doctors, and scientists.

The gold standard of accuracy in  the lab industry

Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Our Clinical Support Team

We understand that patient care doesn't end with diagnosis. To achieve Vibrant health, patients need clinical support and
obtainable lifestyle changes. Our clinical support team helps providers make informed treatment recommendations, resulting in  better patient outcomes.

Mary Beth Augustine

DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator

Suzanne Barker

MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator

Suzette Garcia

MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator

Brooke Mader Ganev

MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator

Adair Anderson

MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator

Lillie Luu Nguyen

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jason Barker

ND- Clinical Educator

Emaline Brown

ND- Clinical Educator

Dana Filatova

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jessy Dhanjal

ND- Clinical Educator

Nour Amri

MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator

Ready to Elevate Your Approach to Precision Wellness?

At Vibrant Wellness, we’re redefining the future of diagnostics—making complex science clear, accessible, and actionable. Whether you're a provider advancing personalized care or a patient seeking data-driven answers, our precision testing gives you the clarity to make informed decisions. Experience the next generation of functional medicine through clinically validated insights and seamless testing solutions.

Become a Provider

Become a Patient