Solute carrier family 30 member 7 (SLC30A7 (commonly ZnT7))

Solute carrier family 30 member 7 (SLC30A7, ZnT7) is a *zinc transporter protein* localized primarily in the Golgi membrane and other organelles along the secretory pathway[1][3][4]. Its main function is to mediate active export of Zn²⁺ ions from the cytosol into the lumen of Golgi and secretory vesicles, utilizing a Zn²⁺/H⁺ antiport mechanism[1][4]. This activity is critical for the incorporation of zinc into newly synthesized enzymes, maintenance of intracellular zinc homeostasis, and prevention of cytosolic zinc toxicity[2][3]. SLC30A7 is essential for diverse physiological processes, including proper protein folding, cell survival signaling, and development. Genetic mutations in SLC30A7 are causatively linked to rare developmental disorders such as Joubert syndrome, growth deficiencies, testicular and hematologic defects, and may contribute to tumor progression in experimental models due to cellular zinc deficiency and activation of stress signaling pathways[2][3]. No drugs currently target SLC30A7 directly, and modulation of its function presents significant therapeutic and safety challenges because of zinc’s universal biological roles.

Other names

Zinc transporter 7ZnT7ZNT7ZNT-7ZNTL2ZnT-7ZnTL2Znt-like transporter 2ZHSzinc transporter like 2Solute carrier family 30 (zinc transporter), member 7zinc transporter ZnT-7

Drugs that might target this transporter would likely act by modulating zinc efflux from cytosol to the Golgi/secretory organelles, thereby affecting zinc-dependent biochemical processes and signaling[1][4].