Solute carrier family 39 member 3 (SLC39A3)

Solute carrier family 39 member 3 (SLC39A3), also known as ZIP3, is a member of the ZIP family of zinc transporters that facilitates the uptake of zinc into the cytoplasm from either the extracellular environment or intracellular compartments[1][2][3][6][7]. ZIP3 is an eight-transmembrane domain protein expressed in a tissue-selective manner, with prominent expression in secretory tissues such as the prostate, pancreas, mammary gland, testis, and certain regions of the brain (including hippocampus and cortex)[1][2][4][5]. In glandular tissues, ZIP3 helps accumulate zinc at the cellular level, which is essential for tissue-specific function, and loss of ZIP3 is observed in certain cancers, implicating it in tumor suppression and early neoplastic transformation[1][2]. In the mammary gland, ZIP3 plays a key role in the reuptake and retention of zinc from secreted milk rather than dietary acquisition, with effects on apoptosis and tissue morphology[4][5]. The protein acts as a transporter at the plasma and intracellular membranes and is vital for maintaining zinc homeostasis, a function critical for numerous cellular processes including immune regulation and possibly neural development[1][3][5][7]. No specific drugs are currently known to target SLC39A3 directly. Downregulation of SLC39A3/ZIP3 may serve as a biomarker for early detection in some cancers, particularly of the prostate and pancreas[2]. Disturbed zinc homeostasis from altered SLC39A3 function could represent a therapeutic challenge, particularly in tissues that are sensitive to changes in zinc concentration[4][5].

Other names

Zinc transporter ZIP3ZIP3ZIP-3Zrt- and Irt-like protein 3Solute carrier family 39 (zinc transporter), member 3ZRT/IRT-like protein 3

Not established for any drugs; generally, modulation of SLC39A3 would alter cellular zinc uptake