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Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Zinc Regulation Through ZnT1 Functionality
Published on: June 2, 2023
Interplay Between Autophagy and Zinc
Juan P Liuzzi1, Rebecca Pazos1
1Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC5, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
Abstract:
Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process that plays an important role in cellular homeostasis. The study of the interplay between autophagy and zinc has gained interest over the last years. Multiple studies have indicated that zinc stimulates autophagy and is critical for basal and induced autophagy in mammalian cells. Conversely, autophagy is induced by zinc starvation in yeast. There are no studies analyzing the role of zinc in either Microautophagy or Chaperone-Mediated-Autophagy. The mechanisms by which zinc modulates autophagy are still poorly understood. Studies examining loss of function of genes involved in cellular zinc homeostasis have provided novel insights into the role of zinc in autophagy. Autophagy may help cells adapt to changes in zinc availability in medium by controlling zinc mobilization, recycling, and secretion. Zinc is a key player in toxic and protective autophagy.
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