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Zhang C, Dischler A, Glover K, Qin Y. Neuronal signalling of zinc: from detection and modulation to function. Open Biol 2022; 12:220188. [PMID: 36067793 PMCID: PMC9448499 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element that stabilizes protein structures and allosterically modulates a plethora of enzymes, ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Labile zinc (Zn2+) acts as an intracellular and intercellular signalling molecule in response to various stimuli, which is especially important in the central nervous system. Zincergic neurons, characterized by Zn2+ deposits in synaptic vesicles and presynaptic Zn2+ release, are found in the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, olfactory bulb and spinal cord. To provide an overview of synaptic Zn2+ and intracellular Zn2+ signalling in neurons, the present paper summarizes the fluorescent sensors used to detect Zn2+ signals, the cellular mechanisms regulating the generation and buffering of Zn2+ signals, as well as the current perspectives on their pleiotropic effects on phosphorylation signalling, synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, as well as sensory and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Anna Dischler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Glover
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
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Moshirpour M, Nakashima AS, Sehn N, Smith VM, Thackray SE, Dyck RH, Antle MC. Examination of Zinc in the Circadian System. Neuroscience 2020; 432:15-29. [PMID: 32087262 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is a trace element that is essential for a large number of biological and biochemical processes in the body. In the nervous system zinc is packaged into synaptic vesicles by the ZnT3 transporter, and synaptic release of zinc can influence the activity of postsynaptic cells, either directly through its own cognate receptors, or indirectly by modulating activation of receptors for other neurotransmitters. Here, we explore the anatomical and functional aspects of zinc in the circadian system. Melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells in the mouse retina were found to colocalize ZnT3, indicating that they can release zinc at their synaptic targets. While the master circadian clock in the hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was found to contain, at best, sparse zincergic input, the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of hamsters and mice were found to have prominent zincergic input. Levels of zinc in these areas were not affected by time of day. Additionally, IGL zinc staining persisted following enucleation, indicating other prominent sources of zinc instead of, or in addition to, the retina. Neither enhancement nor chelation of free zinc at either the SCN or IGL altered circadian responses to phase-shifting light in hamsters. Finally, entrainment, free-running, and circadian responses to light were explored in mice lacking the ZnT3 gene. In every aspect explored, the ZnT3 knockout mice were not significantly different from their wildtype counterparts. These findings highlight the presence of zinc in areas critical for circadian functioning but have yet to identify a role for zinc in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Moshirpour
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy S Nakashima
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Sehn
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Victoria M Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah E Thackray
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard H Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael C Antle
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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McAllister BB, Bihelek N, Mychasiuk R, Dyck RH. Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and TrkB Levels in Mice that Lack Vesicular Zinc: Effects of Age and Sex. Neuroscience 2020; 425:90-100. [PMID: 31785352 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In certain neurons, zinc ions are stored in synaptic vesicles by zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3). Vesicular zinc can then be released synaptically to modulate myriad targets. In vitro evidence indicates that these targets may include brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). But the effects of vesicular zinc on BDNF and TrkB in the intact brain are unclear. Studies of mice that lack ZnT3 - and, as a result, vesicular zinc - have shown abnormalities in BDNF and TrkB levels, but results have been mixed and are therefore difficult to interpret. This might be caused by differences in the age or sex of mice tested. In the present study, we measured BDNF and TrkB levels in the hippocampus and neocortex, comparing wild type and ZnT3 knockout mice of both sexes at two ages (5 and 12 weeks). We also examined BDNF mRNA expression and protein levels at an intermediate age (8-10 weeks). We found that, regardless of age or sex, BDNF and TrkB protein levels did not differ between wild type and ZnT3 knockout mice. There were sex-specific differences in BDNF protein and mRNA expression, however. BDNF protein levels increased with age in female mice but not in males. And in females, but not males, ZnT3 KO mice exhibited great hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression than wild type mice. We conclude that, at least in naïve mice housed under standard laboratory conditions, elimination of vesicular zinc does not affect BDNF or TrkB protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan B McAllister
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nicoline Bihelek
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Richard H Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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What if? Mouse proteomics after gene inactivation. J Proteomics 2019; 199:102-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggest the importance of zinc homeostasis in seizures/epilepsy. Undoubtedly, zinc, via modulation of a variety of targets, is necessary for maintaining the balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition, while an imbalance between excitation and inhibition underlies seizures. However, the relationship between zinc signaling and seizures/epilepsy is complex as both extracellular and intracellular zinc may produce either protective or detrimental effects. This review provides an overview of preclinical/behavioral, functional and molecular studies, as well as clinical data on the involvement of zinc in the pathophysiology and treatment of seizures/epilepsy. Furthermore, the potential of targeting elements associated with zinc signaling or homeostasis and zinc levels as a therapeutic strategy for epilepsy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Młyniec
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wlaź
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Gabriel Nowak
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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McAllister BB, Dyck RH. Zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and vesicular zinc in central nervous system function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Perez-Becerril C, Morris AG, Mortimer A, McKenna PJ, de Belleroche J. Common variants in the chromosome 2p23 region containing the SLC30A3 (ZnT3) gene are associated with schizophrenia in female but not male individuals in a large collection of European samples. Psychiatry Res 2016; 246:335-340. [PMID: 27750116 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we found a significant gender-specific association of schizophrenia, in a UK case/control study, with SLC30A3, a candidate that is consistently down-regulated in schizophrenia in two independent cohorts. In view of the potential significance of this finding, we extended this study to a larger cohort using GWAS data from the Psychiatric Genetic Consortium (PGC). Meta-analysis was performed for the only two SLC30A3 SNP variants (rs11126936 and rs11126929) available in most PGC cohorts. A significant association with schizophrenia was found for both variants. When meta-analysis was performed in male and female case-control subsets, an increased and gender-specific effect of allele on risk of disease was found in females for both SNPs with no significant effect in males, which was further associated with a gender-specific effect on gene expression. In conclusion, using a large European-wide sample we were able to replicate the gender-specific association previously found in a UK cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Perez-Becerril
- Neurogenetics Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - A G Morris
- Neurogenetics Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - A Mortimer
- University of Hull and NAViGO, Hull, UK.
| | - P J McKenna
- Benito Menni Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental, Germanes Hospitalàries del Sagrat Cor de Jesús, C/Doctor Antoni Pujades 38-C, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J de Belleroche
- Neurogenetics Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.
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Kambe T, Tsuji T, Hashimoto A, Itsumura N. The Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Roles of Zinc Transporters in Zinc Homeostasis and Metabolism. Physiol Rev 2015; 95:749-84. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00035.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 556] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is involved in a variety of biological processes, as a structural, catalytic, and intracellular and intercellular signaling component. Thus zinc homeostasis is tightly controlled at the whole body, tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels by a number of proteins, with zinc transporters being particularly important. In metazoan, two zinc transporter families, Zn transporters (ZnT) and Zrt-, Irt-related proteins (ZIP) function in zinc mobilization of influx, efflux, and compartmentalization/sequestration across biological membranes. During the last two decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular properties, expression, regulation, and cellular and physiological roles of ZnT and ZIP transporters, which underpin the multifarious functions of zinc. Moreover, growing evidence indicates that malfunctioning zinc homeostasis due to zinc transporter dysfunction results in the onset and progression of a variety of diseases. This review summarizes current progress in our understanding of each ZnT and ZIP transporter from the perspective of zinc physiology and pathogenesis, discussing challenging issues in their structure and zinc transport mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiho Kambe
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tokuji Tsuji
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ayako Hashimoto
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Itsumura
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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