BACKGROUND We examined the effects of the R325W mutation on the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the beta-cell-specific Zn2+ (zinc) transporter ZnT-8. METHODS A model of the C-terminal domain of the human ZnT-8 protein was generated by homology modeling based on the known crystal structure of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) zinc transporter YiiP at 3.8 A resolution. RESULTS The homodimer ...

BACKGROUND : The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached epidemic proportions and it is estimated to affect over 400 million people worldwide. Moreover, the incidence expected continue rise projected nearly one three individuals by year 2050. These alarming projections suggest that there an urgent need for development implementation novel prevention treatment strategies combat...