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 2+ . The ZnR/GPR39 serves as a mediator between extracellular changes in Zn 2+ concentration and cellular Ca 2+ 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 2+ 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.