Systemic zinc homeostasis

Systemic zinc homeostasis is the coordinated physiological process responsible for maintaining optimal zinc concentrations within the body and its individual cells. This regulation is essential because zinc serves as a structural or catalytic cofactor for over 300 enzymes and thousands of transcription factors (Kambe et al., 2015, Physiological Reviews). The system primarily relies on two transporter families: the SLC39A (ZIP) family, which imports zinc into the cytosol, and the SLC30A (ZnT) family, which exports zinc or sequesters it into organelles (Kambe et al., 2015, Physiological Reviews). Intracellularly, metallothioneins act as dynamic buffers, binding zinc to prevent toxicity and releasing it to meet metabolic demands (Andrews, 2001, FASEB J). Disruptions in zinc homeostasis are implicated in various conditions, including Acrodermatitis enteropathica, immune deficiencies, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's (Roohani et al., 2013, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences). Pharmacological interventions include zinc salts for deficiency and metal-protein attenuating medicinal agents (MPAMAs) like clioquinol for redistributing zinc in the brain (Ritchie et al., 2003, Archives of Neurology).

Other names

Zinc metabolismZinc regulationZinc balanceZinc signaling

Modulation of systemic or cellular zinc levels through exogenous supplementation, chelation of excess ions, or ionophore-mediated redistribution to restore physiological function or disrupt pathological metal-protein interactions.