Themed collection Zinc in the Biosciences
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Seashells by the zinc shore: a meeting report of the International Society for Zinc Biology, Asilomar, CA 2014
This report briefly summarizes the many new developments in the field of zinc biology presented at the fourth biennial meeting of the International Society for Zinc Biology, held at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA in September 2014.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1299-1304
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT90029H
Iron and zinc sensing in cells and the body
This editorial introduces a collection of papers presented at a symposium at King’s College London in December 2013. The Iron Metabolism Research Group organized this meeting that focused on “zinc and iron sensing in cells and tissues.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 200-201
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT90051K
Zinc in the Biosciences
Editorial for Metallomics Themed Issue: Zinc in the Biosciences.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1174-1174
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT90021A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
An evolutionary perspective on zinc uptake by human fungal pathogens
A link between environmental pH and fungal zinc uptake strategies? Soil acidity and endemic mycoses in the USA.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 979-985
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00331D
Relationship between the architecture of zinc coordination and zinc binding affinity in proteins – insights into zinc regulation
Relationship between the architecture and stability of zinc proteins.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 244-257
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00094C
The role of transition metal transporters for iron, zinc, manganese, and copper in the pathogenesis of Yersinia pestis
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic plague, encodes a multitude of Fe transport systems.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 965-978
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00332B
Analyzing free zinc(II) ion concentrations in cell biology with fluorescent chelating molecules
Chelation-induced fluorescence changes in low molecular weight molecules (probes) and genetically encoded proteins (sensors) allow for measuring fluctuations of cellular zinc(II) ion concentrations.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 202-211
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00230J
Multiple impacts of zinc on immune function
This minireview summarizes recent developments in the immunobiology of zinc: its role as a second messenger, its importance for immune cell function, and the competition for zinc between the host and the pathogen.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1175-1180
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3MT00353A
Zinc fate in animal husbandry systems
The fate of zinc in animal husbandry systems is reviewed, from feed to manure, including absorption pathways in the animals.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1999-2009
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00062E
Lead neurotoxicity: exploring the potential impact of lead substitution in zinc-finger proteins on mental health
This critical review focuses on one possible link between the cellular biology of lead and its neurotoxic effects: the link between Pb2+ substitution for Zn2+ in zinc-finger proteins and mental illness in adulthood.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 579-588
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00300H
The contribution of zinc to platelet behaviour during haemostasis and thrombosis
Platelets are known to be activated by exogenous zinc. Herein we discuss the potential routes for zinc entry and the role of zinc–protein interactions in platelet activation.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 144-155
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00251F
Iron and zinc exploitation during bacterial pathogenesis
Ancient bacteria originated from metal-rich environments.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1541-1554
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00170F
Zinc'ing sensibly: controlling zinc homeostasis at the transcriptional level
Zinc-responsive transcription factors play a central role in zinc homeostasis by regulating zinc transporter and metallothionein gene expression.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1198-1215
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00064A
A variety of roles for versatile zinc in metallo-β-lactamases
β-Lactamases inactivate the important β-lactam antibiotics by catalysing the hydrolysis of the β-lactam ring, thus. One class of these enzymes, the metallo-β-lactamases, bind two zinc ions at the active site and these play important roles in the catalytic mechanism.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1181-1197
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00066H
Disruption of zinc and copper interactions with Aβ(1–40) by a non-toxic, isoniazid-derived, hydrazone: a novel biometal homeostasis restoring agent in Alzheimer's disease therapy?
A non-toxic hydrazone with potential anti-Alzheimer activity: this organic ligand disrupts anomalous metal–Aβ(1–40) interactions, and, thus, seems suitable as a metal-protein attenuating compound.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 743-747
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00003C
The English (H6R) familial Alzheimer's disease mutation facilitates zinc-induced dimerization of the amyloid-β metal-binding domain
The English familial mutation causes the exclusion of His6 from the zinc chelation pattern and triggers the assembly of Aβ1–16 dimers.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 422-425
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00259H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Decreased serum zinc is an effect of ageing and not Alzheimer's disease
Serum zinc decreases with age.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1216-1219
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00060A
Use of a new water-soluble Zn sensor to determine Zn affinity for the amyloid-β peptide and relevant mutants
Evaluation of Zn affinity for the amyloid-β peptide involved in Alzheimer's disease and its modified counterparts is reported.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1220-1222
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00016A
NO-Dependent programmed cell death is involved in the formation of Zn-related lesions in tobacco leaves
A recent study indicated that the development of lesions on the leaf blades of tobacco exposed to zinc (Zn) excess can be considered a manifestation of a Zn-tolerance strategy at the organ level.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 924-935
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7MT00076F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Zinc and the iron donor frataxin regulate oligomerization of the scaffold protein to form new Fe–S cluster assembly centers
During Fe–S cluster synthesis, oligomerization of the scaffold enables stable contacts with the iron- and sulfur-donor, with structural features predicted to facilitate cluster assembly and delivery.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 773-801
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7MT00089H
Zinc transporters YbtX and ZnuABC are required for the virulence of Yersinia pestis in bubonic and pneumonic plague in mice
A model of proposed Zn2+ uptake systems in Yersinia pestis.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 757-772
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7MT00126F
Complex effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice: protective role of metallothionein
Nano ZnO significantly attenuates CdCl2-induced damage in the liver by increasing metallothionein synthesis and reducing Cd-induced perturbation of Zn2+ homeostasis.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 706-714
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7MT00024C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Age modulates the injury-induced metallomic profile in the brain
Iron, copper and zinc may contribute to the neuronal pathologies that occurs following brain injury. We show here that there is a unique profile of metal alterations in the aged mouse brain following trauma which is distinct from that seen in younger animals.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 402-410
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00260A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Detection of Zn2+ release in nitric oxide treated cells and proteome: dependence on fluorescent sensor and proteomic sulfhydryl groups
Fluorescence detection of Zn2+ mobilized from cell proteome by nitric oxide (NO) is sensor dependent.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 391-401
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00220J
Distinctive hippocampal zinc distribution patterns following stress exposure in an animal model of PTSD
Emerging evidence suggests that zinc (Zn) deficiency is associated with depression and anxiety in both human and animal studies.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 323-333
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00207B
The effect of metalloprotein inhibitors on cellular metal ion content and distribution
Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (SXRF) data reveal that metalloprotein inhibitors (MPi) do not significantly perturb cellular Zn content or distribution.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 250-257
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00267F
Zinc transport and the inhibition of the L-type calcium channel are two separable functions of ZnT-1
ZnT-1 performs two independent and separable functions related to zinc homeostasis: Active zinc transport and L-type calcium channel (LTCC) inhibition.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 228-238
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00296J
Metal maps of sclerotic hippocampi of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Regional distribution of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in the human hippocampus, and Cu deficiency in the area of total neuronal loss in hippocampal sclerosis.
Metallomics, 2017,9, 141-148
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00293E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Destabilization of the metal site as a hub for the pathogenic mechanism of five ALS-linked mutants of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase
Residues with carbons in magenta are affected by five ALS-causing mutations. This work elucidates a common pathogenic mechanism for these mutations, linked to destabilization of the metal site.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 1141-1150
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00085A
MicroXRF tomographic visualization of zinc and iron in the zebrafish embryo at the onset of the hatching period
Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microtomography offers new insights into the three-dimensional distribution of zinc and iron at a key stage of zebrafish embryogenesis.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 1122-1130
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00073H
Zinc is required to ensure the expression of flagella and the ability to form biofilms in Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium
Zinc is known to play a central role in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. Here we show that zinc affects the expression of flagella.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 1131-1140
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00108D
X-ray fluorescence microscopic measurement of elemental distribution in the mouse retina with age
The biologically important metals such as zinc, copper and iron play key roles in retinal function, yet no study has mapped the spatio-temporal distribution of retinal biometals in healthy or diseased retina.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 1110-1121
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00055J
Copper, differently from zinc, affects the conformation, oligomerization state and activity of bradykinin
The conformation and oligomerization state of BK are strongly affected by copper but not zinc and this in turn affects the activity of BK in cells.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 750-761
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00067C
Thermodynamics of Pb(II) and Zn(II) binding to MT-3, a neurologically important metallothionein
The first quantification of Pb(II) binding to MT-3 using ITC shows that lead binds more tightly than zinc to this brain-specific metallothionein.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 605-617
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00209E
Defect of zinc transporter ZRT1 ameliorates cadmium induced lipid accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential divalent heavy metal that enters the cells by utilizing the transport pathways of the essential metals, like zinc (Zn), in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 453-460
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6MT00005C
Zinc sensing by metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF1) controls metallothionein and ZnT1 expression to buffer the sensitivity of the transcriptome response to zinc
Without MTF1, zinc buffering by metallothioneins is reduced; hence, the sensitivity of the non-MTF1-controlled zinc-responsive transcriptome is augmented.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 337-343
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00305A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Defining the metal binding pathways of human metallothionein 1a: balancing zinc availability and cadmium seclusion
There are two competing pathways for the metalation of metallothionein MT1a by zinc and cadmium – a beaded pathway and a clustered pathway – adopted as a function of pH.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 71-81
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00225G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Zinc is a transmembrane agonist that induces platelet activation in a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent manner
Exogenous zinc induces full aggregation of washed platelet suspensions. Zinc-induced aggregation is biphasic, suggestive of secondary signalling-mediated activation.
Metallomics, 2016,8, 91-100
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00064E
Mechanistic evaluation of translocation and physiological impact of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant
Nanonutrient for enhanced crop production and increased solar light absorption.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1584-1594
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00168D
Activation by zinc of the human gastrin gene promoter in colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Over-expression of growth factors can contribute to the development and progression of cancer, and gastrins in particular have been implicated in accelerating the development of gastrointestinal cancers.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1390-1398
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00147A
Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae adiponectin receptor homolog Izh2 is involved in the regulation of zinc, phospholipid and pH homeostasis
Izh2 acts as an integrator of intra- and extracellular signals. It dispatches a single input signal – a change in extracellular Zn concentration – into regulatory networks of several cellular processes, whereby it acts as the second line of cellular adaptation to perturbations to zinc homeostasis.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1338-1351
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00095E
The large intracellular loop of hZIP4 is an intrinsically disordered zinc binding domain
The human (h) ZIP4 transporter is a plasma membrane protein which functions to increase the cytosolic concentration of zinc.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1319-1330
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00066A
The influence of zinc(II) on thioredoxin/glutathione disulfide exchange: QM/MM studies to explore how zinc(II) accelerates exchange in higher dielectric environments
QM/MM calculations on thiolate disulfide exchange reveal that a polar, 4-centered, cyclic transition state is formed when Zn(II) is present, helping to explain faster exchange rates in higher dielectric solvents for metal-assisted exchange.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1265-1273
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00070J
Protective activity of carnosine and anserine against zinc-induced neurotoxicity: a possible treatment for vascular dementia
Hypothetical schematic of the molecular mechanism of the protective activity of carnosine and anserine against Zn-induced neuronal.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1233-1239
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00049A
Characterization of zinc uptake by mouse primary cultured astrocytes and microglia
Astrocytes uptake zinc as a clearance system to maintain the extracellular zinc level, while microglia take it up as a signal transmitter.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1067-1077
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00085H
Interplay between copper and zinc homeostasis through the transcriptional regulator Zur in Enterococcus faecalis
By integrating the microarray expression data and a global E. faecalis transcriptional network we identified a sub-network activated by zinc and copper.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1137-1145
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00043B
The capability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to recruit zinc under conditions of limited metal availability is affected by inactivation of the ZnuABC transporter
Zn acquisition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 1023-1035
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00017C
Common and metal-specific proteomic responses to cadmium and zinc in the metal tolerant ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Oidiodendron maius Zn
Proteomic responses to zinc and cadmium in O. maius suggest an increase in polyamine biosynthesis through a novel pathway in fungi.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 805-815
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5MT00024F
Dynamic HypA zinc site is essential for acid viability and proper urease maturation in Helicobacter pylori
HypA structural Zn site mutants affect acid survival of Helicobacter pylori.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 674-682
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00306C
Effects of non-toxic zinc exposure on human epidermal keratinocytes
The exposure of human keratinocytes to non-toxic concentrations of ZnCl2 impacts gene expression, cell proliferation and the response to UVB.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 499-507
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00287C
Aberrant zinc binding to immature conformers of metal-free copper–zinc superoxide dismutase triggers amorphous aggregation
Aberrant zinc coordination to immature conformers broadens the population of SOD1 misfolded species at early aggregation stages.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 333-346
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00278D
The impact of zinc sulfate addition on the dynamic metabolic profiling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae subjected to long term acetic acid stress treatment and identification of key metabolites involved in the antioxidant effect of zinc
Zinc modulates cellular amino acid metabolism and redox balance to exert its antioxidant effect.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 322-332
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00275J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Zinc isotopic compositions of breast cancer tissue
Zinc isotope compositions of breast cancer tissue are significantly different compared to healthy breast tissue.
Metallomics, 2015,7, 112-117
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00260A
The dynamics of zinc sites in proteins: electronic basis for coordination sphere expansion at structural sites
Through electronic and structural models, the factors influencing coordination sphere expansion of structural zinc in proteins are discussed.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 2230-2241
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00213J
Affinity of zinc and copper ions for insulin monomers
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in the correct packing and storage of insulin.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1296-1300
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00059E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Identification of major zinc-binding proteins from a marine cyanobacterium: insight into metal uptake in oligotrophic environments
The open ocean cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. WH8102 thrives at extremely low zinc concentrations. Metalloproteomics experiments have identified an outer-membrane bound porin with zinc-binding ability that is upregulated at low zinc levels, suggesting a role for porins in highly efficient zinc uptake.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1254-1268
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00048J
KRAS NF-κB is involved in the development of zinc resistance and reduced curability in prostate cancer
This study confirms common involvement of the KRAS NF-κB pathway in the process of zinc(II) resistance at multiple stages of tumorigenesis.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1240-1253
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00065J
Differential impact of zinc deficiency on phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by human monocytes
Zinc deficiency of human monocytes reduces cytokine production and augments the direct clearance of pathogens by phagocytosis.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1288-1295
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00051J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.146/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Zinc ions modulate protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B activity
A novel mechanism by which Zn2+ modulates PTP1B activity encompasses the binding to the closed and phospho-intermediate forms only.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1229-1239
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00086B
Functional consequences of the over-expression of TRPC6 channels in HEK cells: impact on the homeostasis of zinc
The canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) protein is a non-selective cation channel able to transport essential trace elements like iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) through the plasma membrane.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1269-1276
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00028E
PTEN-inhibition by zinc ions augments interleukin-2-mediated Akt phosphorylation
Intracellular zinc signals affect the PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway by inhibiting a negative regulator: the lipid-phosphatase PTEN.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1277-1287
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3MT00197K
Correlations in distribution and concentration of calcium, copper and iron with zinc in isolated extracellular deposits associated with age-related macular degeneration
Examining the relationship between zinc, calcium, iron and copper in isolated sub-RPE deposits highlighted the diverse role these metals might play in conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
Metallomics, 2014,6, 1223-1228
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4MT00058G
About this collection
This collection of papers brings together recent activities in the zinc biosciences. This list was initially composed of articles published in a themed issue of Metallomics (6, 2014, guest edited by Wolfgang Maret) that highlighted emerging high-impact areas of zinc in the biosciences. Since then, this collection has expanded and will continue to grow to include additional reports in this field, covering various aspects of this important area of metal biology. New articles will be added to this collection as they are published. For information about the scope of the journal please visit the Metallomicsabout the journal page.