Zinc ionophore

A zinc ionophore is not a molecule or protein target but a functional class of small molecules, typically fat-soluble compounds, that bind zinc ions and facilitate their transport across biological membranes, thereby increasing intracellular zinc concentrations[3][7][1]. Zinc ionophores operate as *chemical facilitators* rather than specific cellular receptors or enzymes. Their increased use of zinc influx into cells can result in elevated intracellular zinc, which has been shown to disrupt metal ion homeostasis, cause oxidative stress, inhibit viral replication, and induce cytotoxicity in bacteria and cancer cells[1][9][10]. Examples of zinc ionophores include PBT2, quercetin, epigallocatechin-gallate, and ivermectin[1][7][10]. These compounds are of therapeutic interest due to their possible impact on infection, cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases through their modulation of zinc-dependent biological processes. However, "zinc ionophore" is not the name of a specific gene, protein, or drug target, and thus is not itself a canonical therapeutic target but rather a pharmacological category or mechanism of action of certain compounds[7][3][1].

Other names

Ionophore zincZinc transporter chemicalZinc ion transporterZinc ion carrier

Facilitation of zinc ion translocation across cellular membranes, Enhancement of intracellular zinc concentration, Disruption of metal ion homeostasis, Modulation of redox status/ROS, Potentiation of antiviral and anticancer effects by increasing intracellular zinc