Zinc transporter family (SLC30 and SLC39) (ZnT/ZIP)

Cellular zinc transport is a vital physiological process mediated by two primary families of solute carrier (SLC) proteins: the SLC30 (ZnT) family and the SLC39 (ZIP) family (NIH, 2024; Guide to Pharmacology). The ZnT family (SLC30A1–10) primarily functions to export zinc from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space or into intracellular organelles, thereby reducing cytosolic zinc levels (NIH, 2007). Conversely, the ZIP family (SLC39A1–14) facilitates the influx of zinc into the cytoplasm from the extracellular environment or organelle stores (NIH, 2013). These transporters are essential for maintaining zinc homeostasis, which is critical for the function of over 300 enzymes and 2,000 transcription factors (NIH, 2012). Dysregulation of these transporters is linked to various pathologies, including breast and prostate cancers, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease (ResearchGate, 2024; NIH, 2017). Therapeutic strategies targeting these transporters include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) like ladiratuzumab vedotin, which targets ZIP6 in cancer, and small-molecule ionophores or inhibitors designed to modulate intracellular zinc concentrations (Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2024).

Other names

SLC30 familySLC39 familyZrt- and Irt-like proteinsCation diffusion facilitator familyZinc transportersCellular zinc transport system

Zinc ionophores increase intracellular zinc levels, while transporter inhibitors block influx or efflux; antibody-drug conjugates target specific transporters to deliver cytotoxic payloads, and supplementation restores systemic levels.