Zinc transporter (Solute carrier family 30 and 39) (ZnT/ZIP)

Intracellular zinc transport refers to the regulated movement of zinc ions across biological membranes, a process primarily executed by two major protein families: the SLC30 (ZnT) family and the SLC39 (ZIP) family [PubMed: 25310994]. The ZnT transporters function to decrease cytosolic zinc levels by exporting ions into the extracellular space or sequestering them within intracellular organelles, such as the Golgi apparatus or zincosomes [UniProt]. Conversely, ZIP transporters increase cytosolic zinc concentrations by facilitating the influx of zinc from the extracellular environment or its release from internal stores [PubMed: 25310994]. Zinc is an essential trace element that serves as a cofactor for over 3,000 proteins, making its transport vital for cellular processes including DNA synthesis, immune response, and apoptosis [NIH]. Dysregulation of these transport mechanisms is implicated in various diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes (associated with ZnT8 variants), acrodermatitis enteropathica (caused by ZIP4 mutations), and several cancers where ZIP transporters are often upregulated to support rapid cell proliferation [PubMed: 17314970, 18070915]. Pharmacological strategies targeting this system include the use of zinc ionophores like PBT2 to redistribute zinc in neurodegenerative diseases or specific transporter inhibitors to combat malignancy [PubMed: 25310994].

Other names

Zinc transport systemSLC30 familySLC39 familyZIP transportersZnT transportersZinc ion transport

Modulation of zinc ion flux across cellular and organellar membranes to maintain or restore physiological zinc concentrations [PubMed: 25310994].