Zinc deficiency and epigenetics

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient element. This element in relation with the structure and function of many proteins and enzymes is important for a variety of biological activities, including epigenetic regulations. Zinc deficiency is common in many parts of the world and particularly in poor populations. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that several key enzymes and zinc finger proteins with zinc atom(s) in the reactive center and binding site play important roles in DNA methylation and histone modifications. Therefore, zinc deficiency may disrupt the functions of these enzymes and proteins and result in epigenetic dysregulation. Furthermore, zinc deficiency may enhance inflammatory response and subsequently alter DNA methylation status of the genes involved in inflammation. In this chapter, we first describe zinc dietary sources and deficiency, and then discuss direct and indirect effects of zinc deficiency in DNA and chromatin methylation alteration. Finally, we prospect a new zinc biomarker and further investigation on the effects of zinc deficiency in epigenetics.