| abstract |
A zinc-sensing receptor is described, eliciting intracellular release of calcium ions in epithelial, connective, muscular, glia or nerve cells, which is selectively triggered by extracellular increase of zinc ions concentration in the range from about 100 pM to 1 mM, independently of extracellular calcium concentration. The invention further relates to a composition for the treatment of disorders related to zinc metabolism, as well as to methods of treating such disorders by the modulation of activities of the discovered receptor. |