MT1B (metallothionein 1B) is a cysteine-rich metal-binding protein that functions primarily in metal homeostasis and cellular protection against heavy metal toxicity and oxidative stress 1. As part of the MT1 family located on chromosome 16, MT1B is transcriptionally regulated by metal regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1), which binds to its promoter region upon zinc stimulation 23. The protein plays a critical role in lipid metabolism by inhibiting the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway, thereby reducing hepatic steatosis and inflammation in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) 3. In cancer contexts, MT1B expression shows tissue-specific patterns: it is rarely detected in oral squamous cell carcinomas and breast cancer cell lines 45, while overexpression in non-small cell lung cancer enhances malignancy by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor growth 6. MT1B also contributes to cisplatin resistance in malignant pleural mesothelioma, where knockdown increases apoptosis during treatment 7. The differential expression of MT1B across cancer types suggests its potential utility as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target, though its role varies significantly depending on tissue context and disease state.