Zinc transporter 2 (ZnT2)

Zinc transporter 2 (ZnT2; SLC30A2) is a member of the solute carrier family 30 and is primarily expressed in specialized secretory cells such as mammary epithelial cells. It functions as a proton-coupled antiporter, transporting zinc into secretory vesicles, thus ensuring adequate zinc secretion into breast milk—a crucial mechanism for neonatal development. Mutations in SLC30A2 lead to reduced zinc transport and secretion, manifesting clinically as transient neonatal zinc deficiency (TNZD) in exclusively breastfed infants. ZnT2’s subcellular localization and function are tightly regulated, and mutations can impair zinc transport through dominant-negative effects, haploinsufficiency, or altered protein trafficking and stability. While not a direct drug target in therapeutics, its genetic and physiological significance makes it a biomarker for lactational failure and zinc-deficiency disorders.

Other names

SLC30A2Zinc transporter 2ZnT2Solute carrier family 30 member 2Proton-coupled zinc antiporter SLC30A2TNZDPP12488ZNT2Solute carrier family 30 (zinc transporter), member 2

For therapeutic context: restoration of zinc transporter activity (e.g., via supplementation); Modulation of zinc secretion into breast milk