The Hershfinkel laboratory is investigating the pathways that are activated by zinc to mediate physiological​​ functions. Zinc is an essential micronutrient and plays a central role in the function of the skin, nervous and digesti​ve systems.

As many as 24 zinc transporters are involved in maintaining the cellular levels of zinc, and transport this metal ion across cellular and organellar membranes​.  ​​​​Our lab identified a distinct zinc sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, that upon changes in extracellular zinc levels triggers major signaling pathways in epithelial cells and neurons. We focus on revealing the physiological roles of ZnR/GPR39.