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Molecular Linkage Between Trace Elements and Cancer

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2025) | Viewed by 535

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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
Interests: neuro-oncology; molecular biology; pathology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zinc, copper, and selenium play essential roles in brain health; their specific impact on glioma development remains an area of ongoing investigation. The purpose of understanding these trace elements’ complicated interactions may provide valuable insights for future therapeutic approaches. Zinc is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy central nervous system and is involved in DNA replication, protein synthesis, and metabolism. Some studies have suggested a protective effect of dietary zinc against brain tumor development. However, overall evidence remains inconclusive, and a significant association has been observed between zinc intake and tumor growth in cancer. Copper is another essential trace element. It functions as a cofactor for various enzymes and proteins. Recent research has explored the potential anticancer activity of copper nanoparticles. These nanoparticles target mitochondria, modulate oxidative stress, induce apoptosis, and impact immune responses. Selenium is vital for human health and is incorporated into selenoproteins. It acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. Some studies have investigated the relationship between selenium levels and cancer.

This Special Issue will summarize the current state of unraveling molecular insights into how trace element dysregulation may contribute to cancer progression.

Dr. Daizo Yoshida
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cancer
  • cell signaling
  • chelation
  • copper
  • selenium
  • trace element
  • zinc

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

19 pages, 2674 KiB  
Review
Zinc Transporters of the LIV-1 Subfamily in Various Cancers: Molecular Insights and Research Priorities for Saudi Arabia
by Ahmed M. Alzahrani and Kathryn M. Taylor
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8080; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168080 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 21
Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in critical physiological functions such as gene expression, immune regulation, and cellular proliferation. This review explores the link between zinc homeostasis and cancer, with a specific focus on LIV-1 zinc transporters and their potential relevance to [...] Read more.
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in critical physiological functions such as gene expression, immune regulation, and cellular proliferation. This review explores the link between zinc homeostasis and cancer, with a specific focus on LIV-1 zinc transporters and their potential relevance to cancer research and treatment priorities in Saudi Arabia, as informed by global data. Zinc homeostasis is maintained by two major transporter families: ZIP (SLC39A) and ZnT (SLC30A). The dysregulation of specific ZIP transporters, particularly ZIP4, ZIP7, ZIP6, and ZIP10, has been implicated in cancer progression. Bioinformatic analyses revealed the significant overexpression of ZIP4, ZIP7, and ZIP6 in breast cancer and ZIP4 in colorectal cancer, which are the most common cancers among Saudi women and men, respectively. Notably, ZIP4 and ZIP7 upregulation correlated with poorer clinical outcomes, whereas ZIP6 was positively associated with survival in breast cancer. These findings underscore the potential of zinc transporters as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Despite the substantial global evidence, research on zinc transporters in the Saudi population remains limited. Considering the Kingdom’s rising cancer burden and unique genetic, environmental, and dietary factors, understanding zinc metabolism in this context is important. Targeted research may support precision medicine strategies and improve outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Linkage Between Trace Elements and Cancer)
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