Figure 7. GPR39/ZnR mediates Zn²⁺-dependent activation of the pro-survival protein, CLU, and rescues cells from butyrate induced cell death.

A. HT29 cells transfected with an siGPR39 construct, were treated with butyrate or without it (Ringer's solution alone), in the presence or absence of Zn²⁺ (as described in Fig. 1). Cell lysates were subjected to immunoblotting with an anti-α-CLU, actin levels are presented as control. Densitometry analysis of the results is shown in the right panel, normalized to anti-α-CLU expression level in control (non-transfected) cells treated with Ringer's solution (100%). n = 3. B. The siGPR39 cells or controls were treated with butyrate with or without Zn²⁺ as described in Figure 1. Cells were then fixed and number of cells was monitored using the SRB colorimetric assay, gray line indicates cell numbers in butyrate only treated siGPR39-transfected cells. n = 3; *p<0.05.