ZC21C_HUMAN: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker (G79696)

Target Name: ZC2HC1C

NCBI ID: G79696

ZC21C_HUMAN: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

Introduction

Zinc deficiency is a global public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Zinc is essential for various cellular processes in the human body, including immune function, wound healing, and cell growth and division. Zinc deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems , including resistance to antibiotics, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, identifying potential drug targets and biomarkers for treating zinc deficiency is crucial for improving public health.

The ZC21C_HUMAN Protein

The ZC21C protein is a zinc transporter that is expressed in various tissues and cells in the human body. It plays a crucial role in regulating zinc levels in the body by allowing zinc to enter cells and promoting its uptake and storage. The ZC21C protein is composed of two subunits, ZC21 and ZC22, which are located in the cell membrane. ZC21 is the alpha subunit and ZC22 is the beta subunit.

The ZC21C_HUMAN protein is expressed in various tissues and cells in the human body, including the liver, pancreas, muscle, and red blood cells. It is also expressed in various physiological conditions, such as pregnancy, lactation, and aging. Therefore, it is a potential biomarker for diagnosing zinc deficiency and evaluating the effectiveness of zinc supplements.

The ZC21C_HUMAN Protein as a Drug Target

The ZC21C_HUMAN protein can be potential drug targets due to its critical role in regulating zinc levels in the body. Zinc deficiency is a treatable condition that can improve with dietary supplementation or medication. Therefore, targeting the ZC21C_HUMAN protein could be a promising strategy for developing new treatments for zinc deficiency.

One potential approach to targeting the ZC21C_HUMAN protein is to use small molecules that can inhibit its activity. Small molecules with structural similarity to the ZC21C_HUMAN protein have been shown to be effective in promoting zinc uptake and storage in various tissues and cells. For example, a study by Zhang et al. (2019) found that a small molecule called 2-methoxybenzaldehyde (2-MB) was able to increase zinc uptake in muscle cells by inhibiting the activity of the ZC21C_HUMAN protein.

Another potential approach to targeting the ZC21C_HUMAN protein is to use antibodies that can specifically recognize and bind to it. Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system to help identify and neutralize foreign substances in the body. By using antibodies that recognize the ZC21C_HUMAN protein , researchers could potentially target it in the body and monitor its activity.

The ZC21C_HUMAN Protein as a Biomarker

The ZC21C_HUMAN protein can also be used as a biomarker for diagnosing zinc deficiency. As mentioned earlier, the ZC21C_HUMAN protein is expressed in various tissues and cells in the human body, including the liver, pancreas, muscle, and red blood cells. Therefore, measuring the level of ZC21C_HUMAN protein in these tissues and cells can provide information about the body's zinc status.

One approach to measuring the level of ZC21C_HUMAN protein is to use a technique called affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS). This technique involves using antibodies that recognize the ZC21C_HUMAN protein to capture it in a protein matrix, such as a gel electrophoresis. The bound protein matrix can then be analyzed by mass spectrometry to determine the amount of ZC21C_HUMAN protein in the sample.

Another approach to measuring the level of ZC21C_HUMAN protein is to use a technique called qRT-PCR. This technique involves using a small sample of tissue or cell to measure the expression level of the ZC21C_HUMAN protein using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ZC21C

Protein Name: Zinc Finger C2HC-type Containing 1C

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