ZINC TRANSPORTERS

摘要

A family of protein sequences has been identified, the function of which is to regulate zinc levels in cells. Methods of treatment and diagnosis of diseases selected from those involving disorders of zinc homeostasis are provided, the methods comprising the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of one or more polypeptides comprising the consensus regions of the proteins, or homologues thereof, or antibodies generated against the regions or the proteins. The particular diseases concerned may include neurodegenerative disorders and oestrogen responsive metastatic breast cancer. Also provided are methods for the selection of test compounds for use in the treatment of zinc-homeostasis related disorders, and recombinant proteins containing one or more of the consensus sequences of the family of proteins.