• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권8호
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• pp.3355-3360
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• 2015

Background: Zinc transporters have been considered as essential regulators in many cancers; however, their mechanisms remain unknown, especially in gliomas. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(IDH1) mutation is crucial to glioma. This study aimed to investigate whether zinc transporters are correlated with glioma grade and IDH1 mutation status. Materials and Methods: IDH1 mutation status and mRNA expression of four zinc transporters (ZIP4, ZIP9, ZIP11, and ZnT9) were determined by subjecting a panel of 74 glioma tissue samples to quantitative real-time PCR and pyrosequencing. The correlations between the expression levels of these zinc transporter genes and the grade of glioma, as well as IDH1 mutation status, were investigated. Results: Among the four zinc transporter genes, high ZIP4 expression and low ZIP11 expression were significantly associated with higher grade (grades III and IV) tumors compared with lower grade (grades I and II) counterparts (p<0.0001). However, only ZIP11 exhibited weak correlation with IDH1 mutation status (p=0.045). Samples with mutations in IDH1 displayed higher ZIP11 expression than those without IDH1 mutations. Conclusions: This finding indicated that zinc transporters may interact with IDH1 mutation by direct modulation or action in some shared pathways or genes to promote the development of glioma. Zinc transporters may play an important role in glioma. ZIP4 and ZIP11 are promising molecular diagnostic markers and novel therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the detailed biological function of zinc transporters and the mechanism of the potential interaction between ZIP11 and IDH1 mutation in gliomagenesis should be further investigated.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.323-330
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• 2020

Epigenetic events like DNA methylation and histone modification can alter heritable phenotypes. Zinc is required for the activity of various epigenetic enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and histone demethylases, which possess several zinc binding sites. Thus, the dysregulation of zinc homeostasis can lead to epigenetic alterations. Zinc homeostasis is regulated by Zinc Transporters (ZnTs), Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIPs), and the zinc storage protein metallothionein (MT). Recent advances revealed that ZIPs modulate epigenetics. ZIP10 deficiency was found to result in reduced HATs, confirming its involvement in histone acetylation for rigid skin barrier formation. ZIP13 deficiency, which is associated with Spondylocheirodysplastic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (SCD-EDS), increases DNMT activity, leading to dysgenesis of dermis via improper gene expressions. However, the precise molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Future molecular studies investigating the involvement of zinc and its transporters in epigenetics are warranted.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2007

Transporters are membrane proteins that mediate the transfer of substrate across the cellular membrane. In this overview, the characteristics and the toxicological relevance were discussed for various types of transporters. For drug transporters, the overview focused on ATP-binding cassette transporters and solute carrier family 21A/22A member transporters. Except for OCTN transporters and OATP transporters, drug transporters tend to have broad substrate specificity, suggesting drug-drug interaction at the level of transport processes (e.g., interaction between methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) is likely. For metal transporters, transporters for zinc, copper and multiple metals were discussed in this overview. These metal transporters have comparatively narrow substrate specificity, except for multiple metal transporters, suggesting that inter-substrate interaction at the level of transport is less likely. In contrast, the expressions of the transporters are often regulated by their substrates, suggesting cellular adaptation mechanism exists for these transporters. The drug-drug interactions in drug transporters and the cellular adaptation mechanisms for metal transporters are likely to lead to alterations in pharmacokinetics and cellular metal homeostasis, which may be linked to the development of toxicity. Therefore, the transporter-mediated alterations may have toxicological relevance.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제64권6호
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• pp.1092-1104
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• 2022

Using antibiotics as growth promoter has been banned in poultry feed industry, thus various researchers try to seek an alternative to replace the growth-promoting antibiotics. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the growth performance via intestinal nutrient utilization and cecal microbial composition of broiler after dietary supplementation with most commonly using antibiotics, zinc bacitracin, and sophorolipid. A total of 180 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned, and dietary treatment was as follow: CON, basal diet; ZB, 100 ppm of zinc bacitracin supplemented diet; and SPL, 250 ppm of sophorolipid supplemented diet. Their growth performance was evaluated and the samples of blood, small intestine, and ileal and cecal digesta were collected for biochemical, histological, and genomic analyses. The body weight and average daily gain of 7-day-old chicks were higher in ZB and those in overall experimental period were improved by ZB and SPL supplementation (p < 0.05). Their intestinal characteristics were not affected by dietary treatments in duodenum and ileum. Nonetheless, villus height was increased by SPL supplementation in jejunum (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary SPL supplementation could down-regulate the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β (p < 0.05). mRNA levels of lipid and protein transporters did not differ among the treatments, however, relative expression levels of carbohydrate transporters, GLUT2 and SGLT1 were increased in broiler chicken's jejumum fed zinc bacitracin and sophorolipid supplemented diets (p < 0.05). Dietary zinc bacitracin supplementation could increase the population of Firmicutes in phylum level, and the portion of Turiciacter in genus level. On the other hands, the portion of Faecalibacterium was increased by dietary SPL supplementation compared to the other treatments. Our findings suggest that SPL supplementation improves growth performance through enhanced carbohydrate utilization capacity via improvement of gut morphological status and modulation of the cecal microbial population of broilers.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.311-317
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• 2019

The transport systems for metals play crucial roles in both the physiological functions of essential metals and the toxic effects of hazardous metals in mammals and plants. In mammalian cells, Zn transporters such as ZIP8 and ZIP14 have been found to function as the transporters for Mn(II) and Cd(II), contributing to the maintenance of Mn homeostasis and metallothionein-independent transports of Cd, respectively. In rice, the Mn transporter OsNramp5 expressed in the root is used for the uptake of Cd from the soil. Japan began to cultivate OsNramp5 mutant rice, which was found to accumulate little Cd, to prevent Cd accumulation. Inorganic trivalent arsenic (As(III)) is absorbed into mammalian cells via aquaglyceroporin, a water and glycerol channel. The ortholog of aquaporin in rice, OsLsi1, was found to be an Si transporter expressed in rice root, and is responsible for the absorption of soil As(III) into the root. Since rice is a hyperaccumulator of Si, higher amounts of As(III) are incorporated into rice compared to other plants. Thus, the transporters of essential metals are also utilized to incorporate toxic metals in both mammals and plants, and understanding the mechanisms of metal transports is important for the development of mitigation strategies against food contamination.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.248-254
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• 2022

Background: Zinc homeostasis is essential for human health and is regulated by several zinc transporters including ZIP and ZnT. ZIP4 is expressed in the small intestine and is important for zinc absorption from the diet. We investigated in the present study the effects of Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) extract on modulating Zip4 expression and cellular zinc levels in mouse Hepa cells. Methods: Hepa cells were transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid that contains metal-responsive elements, incubated with P. ginseng extract, and luciferase activity was measured. Using ⁶⁵ZnCl₂, zinc uptake in P. ginseng-treated cells was measured. The expression of Zip4 mRNA and protein in Hepa cells was also investigated. Finally, using a luciferase reporter assay system, the effects of several ginsenosides were monitored. Results: The luciferase activity in cells incubated with P. ginseng extract was significantly higher than that of control cells cultured in normal medium. Hepa cells treated with P. ginseng extract exhibited higher zinc uptake. P. ginseng extract induced Zip4 mRNA expression, which resulted in an enhancement of Zip4 protein expression. Furthermore, some ginsenosides, such as ginsenoside Rc and Re, enhanced luciferase activity driven by intracellular zinc levels. Conclusion: P. ginseng extract induced Zip4 expression at the mRNA and protein level and resulted in higher zinc uptake in Hepa cells. Some ginsenosides facilitated zinc influx. On the basis of these results, we suggest a novel effect of P. ginseng on Zip4-mediated zinc influx, which may provide a new strategy for preventing zinc deficiency.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제40권10호
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• pp.697-705
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• 2017

The maintenance of inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis is essential for plant growth and yield. Plants have evolved strategies to cope with Pi starvation at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels, which maximizes its availability. Many transcription factors, miRNAs, and transporters participate in the Pi starvation signaling pathway where their activities are modulated by sugar and phytohormone signaling. Environmental stresses significantly affect the uptake and utilization of nutrients by plants, but their effects on the Pi starvation response remain unclear. Recently, we reported that Pi starvation signaling is affected by abiotic stresses such as salt, abscisic acid, and drought. In this review, we identified transcription factors, such as MYB, WRKY, and zinc finger transcription factors with functions in Pi starvation and other environmental stress signaling. In silico analysis of the promoter regions of Pi starvation-responsive genes, including phosphate transporters, microRNAs, and phosphate starvation-induced genes, suggest that their expression may be regulated by other environmental stresses, such as hormones, drought, cold, heat, and pathogens as well as by Pi starvation. Thus, we suggest the possibility of cross-talk between Pi starvation signaling and other environmental stress signaling pathways.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제19권5호
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• pp.389-399
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• 2015

Zinc has been considered as a vital constituent of proteins, including enzymes. Mobile reactive zinc ($Zn^{2+}$) is the key form of zinc involved in signal transductions, which are mainly driven by its binding to proteins or the release of zinc from proteins, possibly via a redox switch. There has been growing evidence of zinc's critical role in cell signaling, due to its flexible coordination geometry and rapid shifts in protein conformation to perform biological reactions. The importance and complexity of $Zn^{2+}$ activity has been presumed to parallel the degree of calcium's participation in cellular processes. Whole body and cellular $Zn^{2+}$ levels are largely regulated by metallothioneins (MTs), $Zn^{2+}$ importers (ZIPs), and $Zn^{2+}$ transporters (ZnTs). Numerous proteins involved in signaling pathways, mitochondrial metabolism, and ion channels that play a pivotal role in controlling cardiac contractility are common targets of $Zn^{2+}$. However, these regulatory actions of $Zn^{2+}$ are not limited to the function of the heart, but also extend to numerous other organ systems, such as the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular tissue, and secretory glands, such as the pancreas, prostate, and mammary glands. In this review, the regulation of cellular $Zn^{2+}$ levels, $Zn^{2+}$-mediated signal transduction, impacts of $Zn^{2+}$ on ion channels and mitochondrial metabolism, and finally, the implications of $Zn^{2+}$ in health and disease development were outlined to help widen the current understanding of the versatile and complex roles of $Zn^{2+}$.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제6권3호
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• pp.219-230
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• 1993

This research aims to study the changes In gastrointestinal function attributed to aging In human. The thresholds for recognition and detection of flavors became elevated and salivary gland acinar cells decreased in the old age. But most esophageal function remained relatively Intact. Although gastric emptying time has been slowed with aging, the total intestinal transit time did not differ. Atropic gastritis due to H. pylori in old man decreased secretion of acid and Intrinsic factor and absorbability of calcium and iron. Pancreatic secretion is droned in older persons. Prevalence of gallstones rised with age. Liver size and portal blood flow decreased significantly with age. Mucosal surface area has been reported to be slightly diminished in the aging man. Glucose transporters decreased and Insulin tolerance Increased. Absorption of aromatic amino acid is diminished with age. Dietary protein In that aging human increased fecal nitrogen excretion. Vitamin A tolerance increased. Vitamin D receptor concentration decreased and resistance to 1,25-(OH)2D3 action increased. Permeability of aging small Intestine Increased. Zinc balance dirt not differ Copper absorption appeared not to be significantly affected by age. Neurotensin secretion decreased thus slowed colonic peristaltic movements and Intestinal mucosal growth.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제51권6호
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• pp.489-497
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 고지방식이로 유도한 비만군과 저지방식이를 공급한 대조군에서 각 조직의 아연 농도와 아연수송체 발현 수준을 비교하여, 비만 상태가 아연 대사에 미치는 영향을 파악하고자 하였다. C57BL/6J mice를 두 군으로 나누어 각 군당 15마리씩 고지방식이 (비만군) 또는 저지방식이 (대조군)를 총 15주간 공급하였다. 본 연구 결과, 비만군은 대조군에 비해 체중 증가량, 부위별 지방조직, 혈청과 간의 중성지방과 콜레스테롤 농도, 혈청 ALT 및 AST 활성 등이 모두 유의적으로 높게 나타났다. 또한 혈청 렙틴과 염증성 사이토카인인 IL-6의 농도도 비만군에서 유의적으로 증가하였다. 조직 별 아연 농도를 비교한 결과, 간, 소장, 신장, 췌장 등의 측정한 모든 조직에서 비만군이 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 낮게 나타났으며, 대변으로 배설되는 아연 함량은 비만군이 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 높았다. 혈청 아연 농도의 경우 두 군 간 유의적인 차이가 없었으나, 혈청 내 아연-의존 금속효소인 ALP 활성은 비만군에서 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 낮게 나타나 아연의 기능적인 결핍을 확인하였다. 내인성 아연의 체외 배출에 관여하는 췌장 조직에서의 ZnT1 mRNA 수준은 비만군에서 대조군에 비해 유의적으로 높게 나타났으며, 식이 아연 흡수에 관여하는 소장에서의 Zip4와 ZnT1의 mRNA 수준은 두 군간에 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 간 조직의 경우, ZnT1과 Zip10 mRNA이 모두 비만군에서 유의적으로 증가하였다. 이상의 결과를 요약하면, 비만 상태는 아연의 배설 증가와 조직 내 아연 농도 감소를 유발하는 것으로 나타났으며, 이들 아연 대사의 변화는 췌장과 간 조직의 아연 수송체 발현 수준 변화와 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 보인다. 비만인들에서 아연 영양상태가 결핍되지 않도록 관심을 가져야 할 것으로 생각되며, 비만으로 인한 아연 대사의 이상 (dysfunction)을 억제하기 위해서는 아연 수송체 발현을 조절할 수 있는 요인들에 대한 이해가 더욱 필요할 것으로 생각된다.