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

Zinc ion transport across the plasma membrane is a fundamental biological process regulated by two distinct protein families: the SLC39 (ZIP) family, which mediates zinc influx into the cytoplasm, and the SLC30 (ZnT) family, which facilitates zinc efflux or compartmentalization (Kambe et al., 2015, Physiological Reviews [1]). Zinc serves as a vital cofactor for approximately 10% of the human proteome, influencing enzyme activity, structural integrity of zinc finger transcription factors, and cellular signaling (Fukada and Kambe, 2011, Metallomics [2]). Dysregulation of these transporters is linked to numerous diseases; for instance, mutations in ZIP4 cause the severe deficiency disorder Acrodermatitis enteropathica, while ZnT8 is a key autoantigen in Type 1 diabetes and a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes (Sladek et al., 2007, Nature [3]). In oncology, ZIP transporters like ZIP6 and ZIP10 are often overexpressed in breast and prostate cancers, promoting cell migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Hogstrand et al., 2013, Biochemical Society Transactions [4]). Therapeutic strategies targeting these transporters include zinc supplementation to overcome deficiency, ionophores like PBT2 to redistribute zinc in neurodegenerative diseases, and experimental inhibitors aimed at reducing zinc-dependent tumor growth (Adlard et al., 2008, Neuron [5]).

Other names

SLC30 familySLC39 familyZrt- and Irt-like proteinsZinc transportersSolute carrier family 30Solute carrier family 39

Modulation of intracellular zinc concentrations through transport inhibition, ionophore-mediated transport, or substrate supplementation.