Exploring the Physiological Functions of Zinc: Analysis of Zinc Transporters

Abstract

Zinc is an essential micronutrient, and recent studies of zinc transporters and other molecules involved in zinc metabolism have revealed that this mineral has a wide range of important physiological functions. Concerningly, a number of epidemiological studies have reported that Japanese people tend to be deficient in zinc. Therefore, it is important to understand the physiological functions of this micronutrient to maximize its effectiveness for the maintenance and improvement of health. This review summarizes the importance of zinc by briefly describing the symptoms of zinc deficiency, the roles of zinc transporters―which are closely related to the physiological functions of zinc―and their relationship with diseases. Furthermore, we review and discuss the mechanisms of zinc absorption in the small intestine and the activation of secretory, membrane-bound, and organelle-resident zinc enzymes from the perspective of zinc transporters, based on our research results.