Metal response element-binding Transcription Factor-1 (MTF-1) encodes a zinc finger protein that primarily controls the homeostasis of physiological trace metals, such as zinc and copper, and the detoxification of non-essential, toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury, and silver. It activates a number of genes in response to heavy metal load but also induces transcription of the copper importer encoded by Ctr1B upon copper depletion. Variations in the DNA binding site can affect its response to a specific metal.

Antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1) null mutants are unable to develop on low-copper food. Furthermore, the intestinal copper importer encoded by Ctr1B, which is regulated by copper demand, fails to be induced upon copper starvation in Atox1 mutant larvae, while intestinal metallothionein is upregulated. This suggests intestinal copper accumulation, combined with insufficient delivery to the rest of the body.

Metallothionein-2; Metallothionein B (MtnB) encodes one of the five metallothioneins. They are metal-binding polypeptides that coordinate both physiological and xenobiotic metal ions, either for homeostasis or detoxification purposes. The product of MtnB shows a preference towards divalent metal ion binding.

Zinc transporter 35C (ZnT35C) encodes a protein involved in cellular and organismal zinc efflux that plays a major role in the detoxification of zinc excess. ZnT35C is a target of the metal-responsive transcription factor encoded by MTF-1.

Copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (Ccs) encodes a protein required for the proper superoxide dismutase function of the product of Sod1. It is involved in determination of lifespan, oxidative stress, and cytosolic aconitase activity.

Malvolio (Mvl) encodes a member of the SLC11 family of metal ion transporters that transports divalent metal cations, including Mn[2+] and Fe[2+]. Its function has been linked to feeding-related decisions, possibly via modulation of dopaminergic signaling.

ATP binding; magnesium ion binding; ATPase-coupled intramembrane lipid transporter activity. It is involved in the biological process described with: retrograde vesicle-mediated transport, Golgi to endoplasmic reticulum; phospholipid translocation; endocytosis; Belongs to the cation transport ATPase (P-type) (TC 3.A.3) family. Type IV subfamily.

Phenoloxidase 3; This is a copper-containing oxidase that functions in the formation of pigments such as melanins and other polyphenolic compounds. Catalyzes the rate-limiting conversions of tyrosine to DOPA, DOPA to DOPA-quinone and possibly 5,6 dihydroxyindole to indole-5'6 quinone (By similarity).

Metallothionein-3; Metallothionein C (MtnC) encodes a member of the Metallothionein family whose transcription is strongly inducible by copper and cadmium ions. Its induction depends on the transcription factor encoded by MTF-1; Belongs to the metallothionein superfamily. Type 5 family.