HZip1 (hSLC39A1) regulates zinc homoeostasis in gut epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Zinc is an essential trace element required for enzyme catalysis, gene regulation and signal transduction. Zinc absorption takes place in the small intestine; however, the mechanisms by which cells accumulate zinc are not entirely clear. Zip1 (SLC39A1) is a predicted transmembrane protein that is postulated, but not conclusively proven to mediate zinc influx in gut cells. The aim of this study was to investigate a role for hZip1 in mediating zinc uptake in human enterocytes. Both hZip1 mRNA and protein were detected in human intestinal tissue. In non-differentiated Caco-2 human gut cells, hZip1 was partially localised to the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, in differentiated Caco-2 cells cultured in extracellular matrix, the hZip1 protein was located in proximity to the apical microvill

SUBMITTER: Michalczyk AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3755131 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature