Manganese transporters (Mn transporters)

Manganese transporters are a group of membrane proteins that maintain the delicate balance of manganese, an essential cofactor for enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutamine synthetase, while preventing its neurotoxic accumulation [1]. Key human transporters include the efflux protein Solute carrier family 30 member 10 (SLC30A10) and the influx proteins Solute carrier family 39 member 14 (SLC39A14) and Solute carrier family 39 member 8 (SLC39A8) [2]. Mutations in SLC30A10 and SLC39A14 lead to severe hereditary hypermanganesemia syndromes characterized by dystonia, parkinsonism, and liver cirrhosis due to impaired manganese excretion or excessive cellular uptake [3]. These transporters are also relevant in environmental toxicology, as overexposure to manganese (manganism) mimics Parkinson's disease pathology in the basal ganglia [4]. Therapeutic approaches target these transporters through chelation therapy using agents like Calcium disodium edetate to reduce systemic manganese levels, or by exploring small molecules that modulate transporter expression to restore homeostasis [5]. Additionally, because these transporters often handle multiple divalent metals, they play a role in the interaction between manganese and iron metabolism [6].

Other names

Manganese transport proteinsMn transportersSolute carrier family 30 member 10 (SLC30A10)Solute carrier family 39 member 14 (SLC39A14)Solute carrier family 39 member 8 (SLC39A8)Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1)Secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+ ATPase 1 (SPCA1)

Chelation of manganese ions to facilitate renal or biliary excretion; competitive inhibition of divalent metal uptake; transcriptional modulation of efflux transporter expression.