Zinc signaling in skeletal muscle

Abstract

This chapter focuses on how zinc regulates several major functions of skeletal muscles. A common theme throughout this chapter will be how zinc concentration and localization mediated by ZIPs, ZnTs, and metallothioneins affect muscle contraction via zinc-binding proteins and modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway to maintain homeostasis and how TRIM family proteins modulate the integrity of muscle fibers and their regeneration following injuries. Additionally, we examine how disruption in zinc homeostasis results in reduced function in some muscle-specific proteins and produces myopathies such as cachexia and impaired glucose metabolism.