Zn2+ transporters and Zn2+ homeostasis in neurons.
Although the presence of Zn2+ in the brain has been known for nearly half a century, only recently has its precise location and potential roles as a neuromodulator and signaling molecule as well as neurotoxic agent come to the forefront. Unfortunately, our understanding of Zn2+ homeostatic mechanisms lags far behind. The recent identification of presumed Zn2+ transporters has opened new approaches to studying Zn2+ homeostatic mechanisms in neurons. Zn2+ transporters are involved in separate Zn2+ influx and efflux pathways in neurons. However, we are only beginning to understand the mechanism of Zn2+ transport and much more research needs to be done. We are only beginning to understand the transcriptional control and cellular location of Zn2+ transporters, as well. Finally, this review presents a working model of neuronal Zn2+ homeostasis and discusses the experimental evidence for the proposed roles that Zn2+ transporters might play.
Colvin
Robert A
RA
Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. colvin@ohio.edu
Fontaine
Charles P
CP
Laskowski
Meggan
M
Thomas
Dustin
D
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C017800:zinc-binding protein; D015032:Zinc