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Article: Transgenic mice that overexpress metallothionein-I resist dietary zinc deficiency
- Article from:
- The Journal of Nutrition
- Article date:
- April 1, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright American Institute of Nutrition Apr 1996. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Transgenic Mice That Overexpress Metallothionein-I Resist Dietary Zinc Deficiency(1,2)
TIM DALTON,**, KAI FU,** RICHARD D. PALMITER* AND GLEN K. ANDREWS**(3)
Zinc is an essential metal in many biochemical processes (Vallee and Falchuk 1993, Walsh et al. 1994). It is required for the activity of hundreds of enzymes and DNA-binding proteins. It also modulates the activity of peptide hormones (e.g., growth hormone) and neurotransmitter receptors (Vallee and Falchuk 1993). In addition, zinc exerts antioxidant activity by protecting sulfhydryl groups and stabilizing cell membranes. Alcoholism, sickle cell disease, renal disease and penicillamine therapy and diets rich in phytate can each lead to ...