Recent advances in trace element research: From experiments to nutritional and clinical applications in humans

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 350-350
Author(s):  
Bernd Markert ◽  
Bernhard Michalke
2011 ◽  
Vol 286 (27) ◽  
pp. 23623-23629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Vadim N. Gladyshev

Biological trace elements are needed in small quantities but are used by all living organisms. A growing list of trace element-dependent proteins and trace element utilization pathways highlights the importance of these elements for life. In this minireview, we focus on recent advances in comparative genomics of trace elements and explore the evolutionary dynamics of the dependence of user proteins on these elements. Many zinc protein families evolved representatives that lack this metal, whereas selenocysteine in proteins is dynamically exchanged with cysteine. Several other elements, such as molybdenum and nickel, have a limited number of user protein families, but they are strictly dependent on these metals. Comparative genomics of trace elements provides a foundation for investigating the fundamental properties, functions, and evolutionary dynamics of trace element dependence in biology.


Author(s):  
Thesla Palanee-Phillips ◽  
Marc M. Baum ◽  
John A. Moss ◽  
Meredith R. Clark ◽  
Jeremy Nuttall ◽  
...  

Physiology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behzad Moghadaszadeh ◽  
Alan H. Beggs

In the last few decades, the importance of selenium in human health has been the subject of numerous studies. It is believed that the physiological effects of selenium occur mainly through the function of selenoproteins, which incorporate selenium in the form of one or more selenocysteine residues. Recent advances in understanding the complex regulation of selenoprotein synthesis and functional characterization of several members of the selenoprotein family have contributed to an improved comprehension of the role(s) of selenium in human health and the great diversity of physiological pathways influenced by this trace element.


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