Zinc(2+) ion (Zn2+)

Zinc(2+) ion is a vital trace element and a ubiquitous divalent cation essential for numerous biological processes in the human body (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2022). It serves as a structural or catalytic cofactor for more than 300 enzymes and thousands of transcription factors, particularly those containing zinc-finger motifs (PubChem, CID 23994). Zinc plays a critical role in DNA synthesis, cell division, protein synthesis, and immune system maintenance (StatPearls, 2023). Pathologically, zinc imbalance is linked to growth retardation, impaired immune response, and neurological disorders (PubMed, PMID: 25462582). Pharmacologically, zinc ions are targeted by chelating agents in cases of metal toxicity, while zinc salts are administered to treat deficiencies and manage Wilson's disease by inhibiting copper absorption (DrugBank, DB01590). Additionally, zinc is investigated for its ability to inhibit viral replication, particularly in respiratory infections (PubMed, PMID: 32319209).

Other names

Zinc cationZn(II)Zinc(2+)Zinc ionZn++

Zinc ions function as essential catalytic or structural cofactors for a wide array of proteins, including enzymes like carbonic anhydrase and transcription factors with zinc-finger domains (UniProt, 2023). In therapeutic applications, exogenous zinc ions induce the synthesis of metallothionein in the intestinal mucosa, which binds dietary copper and prevents its systemic absorption, making it effective for Wilson's disease (StatPearls, 2023). Furthermore, zinc ions can exert direct antiviral effects by inhibiting viral protease or polymerase activities and can modulate immune cell signaling (PubMed, PMID: 32319209).