Zinc transporter protein family (including ZnT and ZIP families) (SLC30 (ZnT); SLC39 (ZIP))

The Zinc transporter protein family encompasses two major groups: ZnT (SLC30) and ZIP (SLC39). ZnTs decrease cytosolic zinc by exporting it to extracellular space or compartmentalizing it into organelles, while ZIPs increase cytosolic zinc by importing it from extracellular or organellar sources. Humans express ten ZnT (ZnT1–ZnT10) and fourteen ZIP (ZIP1–ZIP14) proteins, which are expressed in various tissues and are key for maintaining zinc homeostasis. Functional dysregulation of these proteins is implicated in diverse diseases, including inherited defects (ZIP4), cancer, and connective tissue disorders (ZIP13). ZIP9 acts as both a zinc transporter and a membrane androgen receptor, revealing multifunctionality within the family. Zinc transporter proteins are integral in signal transduction, cell proliferation, and metalloenzyme activity, but their direct structural details in humans remain limited to select homologs. Further specificity (e.g., "ZIP4," "ZnT1," "ZIP9") is essential for precise clinical or translational applications, as this family includes many individual proteins with distinct functions and tissue distributions.

Other names

ZnT (Zinc Transporter)ZIP (Zrt- and Irt-like Protein)SLC30 familySLC39 family

Drugs affecting zinc transporter protein families often modulate zinc influx/efflux in cells For ZIP9, direct receptor antagonism of the androgen pathway