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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Zinc Regulation Through ZnT1 Functionality
Published on: June 2, 2023
NRF2 and Thioredoxin Reductase 1 as Modulators of Interactions between Zinc and Selenium
Alina Löser1,2, Maria Schwarz1,2, Anna Patricia Kipp1,2
1Department of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
Zinc influences selenium levels and activity of the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) by activating the NRF2 pathway. This explains the parallel decrease of selenium and zinc during inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Trace Element Metabolism
- Redox Homeostasis
Background:
- Selenium and zinc are vital trace elements regulating cellular redox balance.
- Inflammation is associated with decreased circulating selenium and zinc, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between zinc and selenium in HepG2 cells.
- To elucidate the role of the NRF2 pathway in zinc-selenium crosstalk.
Main Methods:
- HepG2 cells were treated with selenite and varying zinc durations.
- Intracellular selenium and zinc concentrations were measured.
- NRF2 activation, TXNRD1 activity, and selenoprotein gene expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Zinc enhanced NRF2 nuclear translocation and increased intracellular selenium and TXNRD1 activity.
- These effects were diminished in NRF2-knockdown cells.
- Zinc's impact on selenium and TXNRD1 activity is NRF2-dependent.
Conclusions:
- NRF2 plays a crucial role in mediating the crosstalk between zinc and selenium.
- This NRF2-dependent mechanism explains the observed parallel reduction of selenium and zinc during inflammation.
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