Cross-talk between zinc and calcium regulates ion transport: A role for the zinc receptor, ZnR/GPR39.

Zinc is essential for many physiological functions, with a major role in digestive system, skin health, and learning and memory. On the cellular level, zinc is involved in cell proliferation and cell death. A selective zinc sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39 is a Gq-coupled receptor that acts via the inositol trisphosphate pathway to release intracellular Ca. The ZnR/GPR39 serves as a mediator between extracellular changes in Zn concentration and cellular Ca signalling. This signalling pathway regulates ion transporters activity and thereby controls the formation of transepithelial gradients or neuronal membrane potential, which play a fundamental role in the physiological function of these tissues. This review focuses on the role of Ca signalling, and specifically ZnR/GPR39, with respect to the regulation of the Na/H exchanger, NHE1, and of the K/Cl cotransporters, KCC1-3, and also describes the physiological implications of this regulation.

© 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Physiological Society.