Download MendeleyZinc transporter 1 functions in copper uptake and cuproptosis.
Li, Y., Ma, J., Wang, R., Luo, Y., Zheng, S., Wang, X.(2024) Cell Metab
- PubMed: 39111308
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.07.009
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
8ZSB, 8ZSZ - PubMed Abstract:
Copper (Cu) is a co-factor for several essential metabolic enzymes. Disruption of Cu homeostasis results in genetic diseases such as Wilson's disease. Here, we show that the zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1), known to export zinc (Zn) out of the cell, also mediates Cu 2+ entry into cells and is required for Cu 2+ -induced cell death, cuproptosis. Structural analysis and functional characterization indicate that Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ share the same primary binding site, allowing Zn 2+ to compete for Cu 2+ uptake. Among ZnT members, ZnT1 harbors a unique inter-subunit disulfide bond that stabilizes the outward-open conformations of both protomers to facilitate efficient Cu 2+ transport. Specific knockout of the ZnT1 gene in the intestinal epithelium caused the loss of Lgr5+ stem cells due to Cu deficiency. ZnT1, therefore, functions as a dual Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ transporter and potentially serves as a target for using Zn 2+ in the treatment of Wilson's disease caused by Cu overload.
Organizational Affiliation:
National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.
