Zinc transporters and the cellular trafficking of zinc

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2006 Jul;1763(7):711-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2006.03.005. Epub 2006 Apr 18.

Abstract

Zinc is an essential nutrient for all organisms because this metal serves as a catalytic or structural cofactor for many different proteins. Zinc-dependent proteins are found in the cytoplasm and within many organelles of the eukaryotic cell including the nucleus, the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, secretory vesicles, and mitochondria. Thus, cells require zinc transport mechanisms to allow cells to efficiently accumulate the metal ion and distribute it within the cell. Our current knowledge of these transport systems in eukaryotes is the focus of this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Proteome
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Zinc / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Proteome
  • zinc-binding protein
  • Zinc