title: Zn(2+) at a cellular crossroads.
abstract: Zinc is an essential micronutrient for cellular homeostasis. Initially proposed to only contribute to cellular viability through structural roles and non-redox catalysis, advances in quantifying changes in nM and pM quantities of Zn(2+) have elucidated increasing functions as an important signaling molecule. This includes Zn(2+)-mediated regulation of transcription factors and subsequent protein expression, storage and release of intracellular compartments of zinc quanta into the extracellular space which modulates plasma membrane protein function, as well as intracellular signaling pathways which contribute to the immune response. This review highlights some recent advances in our understanding of zinc signaling.
authors.affiliation: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester, MA 01609-2280, United States.
authors.forename: Xiaomeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester, MA 01609-2280, United States.
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Dempski
authors.affiliation: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester, MA 01609-2280, United States. Electronic address: scburdette@wpi.edu.
authors.forename: Shawn C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Burdette
mesh_terms: D027682:Cation Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D015032:Zinc