As a cofactor of more than 300 enzymes, zinc is integral for a wide variety of cellular processes that affect most biological functions. Most notably, its bioavailability is important to the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and differentiation. TPEN is a cell permeant metal ion chelator that is used in zinc treatment studies to limit intra- and extracellular concentrations of the mineral. At a concentration as low as 6 μM, TPEN-induced zinc depletion decreases X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) levels in human PC-3 prostate cancer cells and promotes caspase-3 and -9 activation. At 25 μM, TPEN attenuates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in rodent isolated perfused lung.
