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- Title
Zinc: From Biological Functions to Therapeutic Potential.
- Authors
Costa, Maria Inês; Sarmento-Ribeiro, Ana Bela; Gonçalves, Ana Cristina
- Abstract
The trace element zinc (Zn) displays a wide range of biological functions. Zn ions control intercellular communication and intracellular events that maintain normal physiological processes. These effects are achieved through the modulation of several Zn-dependent proteins, including transcription factors and enzymes of key cell signaling pathways, namely those involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defenses. Efficient homeostatic systems carefully regulate intracellular Zn concentrations. However, perturbed Zn homeostasis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, depression, Wilson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other age-related diseases. This review focuses on Zn's roles in cell proliferation, survival/death, and DNA repair mechanisms, outlines some biological Zn targets, and addresses the therapeutic potential of Zn supplementation in some human diseases.
- Subjects
HEPATOLENTICULAR degeneration; ZINC; ALZHEIMER'S disease; CELL communication; DNA repair; TRANSCRIPTION factors; CELL proliferation
- Publication
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023, Vol 24, Issue 5, p4822
- ISSN
1661-6596
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/ijms24054822