Zinc and Copper in Human Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Trace elements such as zinc and copper are critical to the proper functioning of many human proteins. Zinc and copper are essential co-factors for large variety of enzymes in all areas of metabolism. Zinc however, being redox-inert (in comparison to copper), also serves in a structural capacity for a number of metalloproteins. Abnormal zinc or copper metabolism has been implicated in various human ailments, ranging from acrodermatitis enteropathica, cancer, and diabetes, to several neurodegenerative as well as metal deficiency and overload diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Menkes, Wilson disease, and Mucolipidosis type IV). Normal function and health depend on their cellular concentrations being tightly controlled, which is determined by metal-binding proteins and transporters in membranes and body fluids.

We invite investigators in the field to submit original research or review articles converging on the importance of zinc and/or copper in human health, and their potential contributions to treatments of multiple disorders that include malignancies, neurodegeneration, as well as viral and bacterial infections. We also welcome research studying the pathological effects of zinc or copper dyshomeostasis and the development of possible disease therapeutics using metalloproteins, transporters, or metal-specific drug chelators.

Prof. Dr. Math P. Cuajungco
Prof. Dr. Maria C. Linder
Prof. Dr. Marcelo E. Tolmasky
Guest Editors

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