Zinc transporter 7 (SLC30A7) (SLC30A7)

Zinc transporter 7 (SLC30A7), also known as ZnT7, is a membrane-bound protein belonging to the solute carrier family 30, which is dedicated to the efflux of zinc from the cytosol into intracellular organelles or the extracellular space (UniProt Consortium, 2023). Specifically, SLC30A7 is localized to the Golgi apparatus and the trans-Golgi network, where it facilitates the accumulation of zinc ions required for the maturation and activity of zinc-dependent enzymes and proteins (Kirschke & Huang, 2003). This transporter plays a pivotal role in metabolic health, particularly in the synthesis and secretion of insulin within pancreatic beta cells (Huang et al., 2005). Studies in animal models have shown that SLC30A7 deficiency leads to reduced body weight, decreased adiposity, and impaired glucose tolerance, highlighting its significance in obesity and type 2 diabetes (Tepaamorndech et al., 2011). Furthermore, altered expression of SLC30A7 has been observed in various cancers, including prostate and breast cancer, where it may influence tumor cell proliferation and survival (Tepaamorndech et al., 2016). Although no specific small-molecule inhibitors or activators are currently in clinical use, SLC30A7 is an emerging target for therapeutic intervention in metabolic and oncological diseases.

Other names

Solute carrier family 30 member 7ZnT-7ZNT7Zinc transporter 7

SLC30A7 facilitates the transport of zinc ions from the cytosol into the Golgi apparatus and trans-Golgi network, acting as a secondary active transporter to maintain zinc levels necessary for protein processing and enzymatic activity (UniProt Consortium, 2023).