Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient affecting many aspects of human health. Cellular Zn 2+ homeostasis is critical for cell function and survival. Zn 2+ , acting as a first or second messenger, triggers signaling pathways that mediate the physiological roles of Zn 2+ . Transient changes in Zn 2+ concentrations within the cell or in the extracellular region occur following its release from Zn 2+ binding metallothioneins, its transport across membranes by the ZnT or ZIP transporters, or release of vesicular Zn 2+ . These transients activate a distinct Zn 2+ sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, or modulate numerous proteins and signaling pathways. Importantly, Zn 2+ signaling regulates cellular physiological functions such as: proliferation, differentiation, ion transport and secretion. Indeed, novel therapeutic approaches aimed to maintain Zn 2+ homeostasis and signaling are evolving. This review focuses on recent findings describing roles of Zn 2+ and its transporters in regulating physiological or pathological processes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 53-63 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Cell Calcium |
Volume | 75 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Nov 2018 |
Keywords
- Bone
- Cancer
- Epithelia
- Immune system
- Inflammation
- Mammary gland
- Neurological diseases
- ZIP
- Zinc
- Zinc biology
- Zinc signaling
- Zinc transporters
- Zn
- ZnR/GPR39
- ZnT
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology