Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
13:04
Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
38.8K
Zinc: From Biological Functions to Therapeutic Potential
Maria Inês Costa1,2,3, Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro1,2,3,4,5, Ana Cristina Gonçalves1,2,3,4
1Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 11, 2023
Summary
Zinc (Zn) is vital for cell functions like communication and DNA repair. Maintaining zinc homeostasis is crucial, as imbalances are linked to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element with diverse biological roles.
- Zn ions regulate intercellular communication and intracellular events crucial for physiological processes.
- Zn-dependent proteins, including transcription factors and signaling enzymes, mediate these effects, impacting cell proliferation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of zinc in cellular processes.
- To highlight zinc's involvement in cell proliferation, survival, death, and DNA repair.
- To discuss biological targets of zinc and its therapeutic potential in human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on zinc's biological functions.
- Analysis of zinc's role in cell signaling pathways.
- Examination of the link between zinc homeostasis and human diseases.
Main Results:
- Zinc modulates key cell signaling pathways involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defenses.
- Dysregulated zinc homeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Zinc plays a role in DNA repair mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Zinc is essential for maintaining cellular functions and overall physiological health.
- Disruptions in zinc homeostasis contribute to various human diseases.
- Zinc supplementation may hold therapeutic potential for certain conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Minerals
376
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Major...
Major...
376
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
100
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
100
02:49Cancer Therapies
7.9K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.9K