Title |
Physiological roles of zinc transporters: molecular and genetic importance in zinc homeostasis
|
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Published in |
The Journal of Physiological Sciences, January 2017
|
DOI | 10.1007/s12576-017-0521-4 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Takafumi Hara, Taka-aki Takeda, Teruhisa Takagishi, Kazuhisa Fukue, Taiho Kambe, Toshiyuki Fukada |
Abstract |
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that regulates the expression and activation of biological molecules such as transcription factors, enzymes, adapters, channels, and growth factors, along with their receptors. Zn deficiency or excessive Zn absorption disrupts Zn homeostasis and affects growth, morphogenesis, and immune response, as well as neurosensory and endocrine functions. Zn levels must be adjusted properly to maintain the cellular processes and biological responses necessary for life. Zn transporters regulate Zn levels by controlling Zn influx and efflux between extracellular and intracellular compartments, thus, modulating the Zn concentration and distribution. Although the physiological functions of the Zn transporters remain to be clarified, there is growing evidence that Zn transporters are related to human diseases, and that Zn transporter-mediated Zn ion acts as a signaling factor, called "Zinc signal". Here we describe critical roles of Zn transporters in the body and their contribution at the molecular, biochemical, and genetic levels, and review recently reported disease-related mutations in the Zn transporter genes. |
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Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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United States | 2 | 29% |
Japan | 2 | 29% |
Australia | 1 | 14% |
Unknown | 2 | 29% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
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Members of the public | 6 | 86% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 14% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
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Unknown | 395 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
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Student > Ph. D. Student | 56 | 14% |
Student > Master | 53 | 13% |
Student > Bachelor | 42 | 11% |
Researcher | 32 | 8% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 24 | 6% |
Other | 47 | 12% |
Unknown | 141 | 36% |
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Medicine and Dentistry | 32 | 8% |
Chemistry | 22 | 6% |
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 14 | 4% |
Other | 59 | 15% |
Unknown | 150 | 38% |