The ZIP-prion connection

Figures & data

Figure 1. Localization, function and possible interaction of LZTs with the prion protein. (A) Cartoon depicting the reported predominant cellular localization of LIV-1 ZIP transporter (LZT) family members. Whereas more distantly related LZT metal ion transporters may preferentially associate with a variety of intracellular organelles, members of the phylogenetic subbranch of LZTs comprising ZIPs 5, 6 and 10 are predominantly observed at the plasma membrane. (B) Model of prion protein next to an LZT, depicted with its predicted PrP-like ectodomain. The interface that mediates the interaction between PrP and LZTs is as yet undefined. (C) Model of LZT-mediated cellular zinc import through passive diffusion and shedding of the PrP-like ectodomain in response to extracellular metal starvation. It should be noted that a similar endoproteolysis of a subset of LZTs can be observed in prion-infected mouse brains (unpublished data²⁰). Panels B and C were modified from a Progress in Neurobiology article³ with permission from Elsevier.

Ehsani S, Salehzadeh A, Huo H, Reginold W, Pocanschi CL, Ren H, et al. LIV-1 ZIP ectodomain shedding in prion-infected mice resembles cellular response to transition metal starvation. Under review

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Ehsani S, Huo H, Salehzadeh A, Pocanschi CL, Watts JC, Wille H, et al. Family reunion--the ZIP/prion gene family. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 93:405 - 20; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.12.001; PMID: 21163327

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