Solute carrier family 39 member 10 (SLC39A10)

Solute carrier family 39 member 10 (SLC39A10), also known as ZIP10, is a zinc transporter protein in the ZIP (Zrt- and Irt-like protein) family that facilitates the influx of zinc ions from the extracellular space or intracellular compartments into the cytoplasm[2][5]. SLC39A10 is critical for diverse biological functions, including cellular zinc homeostasis, embryonic development, hematopoiesis, and immune responses. It is specifically essential for proliferation and survival of hematopoietic stem cells by preventing zinc deficiency-induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest[2]. SLC39A10 is also upregulated in several cancer types, where it increases intracellular zinc levels and activates downstream signaling pathways (such as CK2, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT), driving proliferation, invasion, and metastasis[3]. In the immune system, SLC39A10 modulates B-cell receptor signaling, contributing to adaptive (humoral) immunity by regulating CD45R and LYN kinase activity[4][5]. It forms functional heteromers with related zinc transporters (notably SLC39A6/ZIP6) to coordinate EMT and developmental processes[1][5]. Its clinical relevance includes potential roles as a therapeutic target in cancers and hematological disorders, as well as a possible biomarker for malignancy and immune function[2][3][5].

Other names

ZIP10Zinc transporter ZIP10KIAA1265FLJ90515DKFZp564L2123Zrt- and Irt-like protein 10ZRT/IRT-like protein 10LZT-Hs2

Enhancement of intracellular zinc influx Regulation of cell proliferation and survival via cell signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, CK2 activation) Modulation of immune cell signaling (BCR signaling via CD45R activity modulation)