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Neurobiology of zinc and its role in neurogenesis

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European Journal of Nutrition Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Zinc (Zn) has a diverse role in many biological processes, such as growth, immunity, anti-oxidation system, homeostatic, and repairing. It acts as a regulatory and structural catalyst ion for activities of various proteins, enzymes, and signal transcription factors, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The Zn ion is essential for neuronal signaling and is mainly distributed within presynaptic vesicles. Zn modulates neuronal plasticity and synaptic activity in both neonatal and adult stages. Alterations in brain Zn status results in a dozen neurological diseases including impaired brain development. Numerous researchers are working on neurogenesis, however, there is a paucity of knowledge about neurogenesis, especially in neurogenesis in adults.

Summary

Neurogenesis is a multifactorial process and is regulated by many metal ions (e.g. Fe, Cu, Zn, etc.). Among them, Zn has an essential role in neurogenesis. At the molecular level, Zn controls cell cycle, apoptosis, and binding of DNA and several proteins including transcriptional and translational factors. Zn is needed for protein folding and function and Zn acts as an anti-apoptotic agent; organelle stabilizer; and an anti-inflammatory agent. Zn deficiency results in aging, neurodegenerative disease, immune deficiency, abnormal growth, cancer, and other symptoms. Prenatal deficiency of Zn results in developmental disorders in humans and animals.

Conclusion

Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown an association between Zn deficiency and increased risk of neurological disorders. This article reviews the existing knowledge on the role of Zn and its importance in neurogenesis.

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Abbreviations

LTP:

Long-term potentiation

BBB:

Blood–brain barrier

SVZ:

Subventricular zone

SGZ:

Subgranular zone

CNS:

Central nervous system

OB:

Olfactory bulb

NSCs:

Neural stem/precursor cells

MTs:

Metallothioneins

PCNA:

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen

PHH3:

Phospho-Histone H3

BrdU:

5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine

MCM2:

Mini chromosome maintenance protein 2

GFAP:

Glial fibrillary acidic protein

BLBP:

Brain lipid-binding protein

NeuroD:

Neurogenic differentiation

Nestin:

Neuroepithelial stem cell protein

BDNF:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor

NGF:

Nerve growth factor

NT-3:

Neurotrophin-3

NT-4:

Neurotrophin-4

Trk:

Tropomyosin-related kinase

p75NTR:

P75 neurotrophin receptor

Zn:

Zinc

ZnFPs:

Zn finger proteins

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  1. Vijay Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Kritanjali Singh contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, Republic of Korea

    Vijay Kumar & Jong-Joo Kim

  2. Department of Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, UP, India

    Ashok Kumar & Kapil Avasthi

  3. Central Research Station, Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, 250002, India

    Kritanjali Singh

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Kumar, V., Kumar, A., Singh, K. et al. Neurobiology of zinc and its role in neurogenesis. Eur J Nutr 60, 55–64 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-020-02454-3

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