Zinc influences autophagy by binding to autophagy promoters and regulating the transcription of genes involved in autophagy.
Zinc is a cofactor for many enzymes and proteins, including those that are necessary for autophagy. When zinc levels are low, there is less activity of these enzymes and proteins, resulting in a decrease in autophagy. Conversely, when zinc levels are high, there is increased activity of these enzymes and proteins, increasing autophagy.