Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
07:55
Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Zinc Regulation Through ZnT1 Functionality
Published on: June 2, 2023
1.7K
Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) and β cell function.
Howard W Davidson1, Janet M Wenzlau2, Richard M O'Brien3
1Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Integrated Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|April 23, 2014
Summary
Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) plays a key role in human pancreatic beta cells and insulin secretion. Variants in the SLC30A8 gene encoding ZnT8 are linked to reduced type 2 diabetes risk, but mechanisms require further study.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human pancreatic beta cells possess high zinc concentrations, primarily stored in insulin secretory granules.
- Zinc is co-secreted with insulin, and its uptake into granules is mediated by zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8), encoded by the SLC30A8 gene.
- Minor alleles of SLC30A8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of ZnT8's function in beta cell zinc homeostasis.
- To explore ZnT8's role in glucose metabolism, referencing findings from knockout mouse studies.
- To discuss prevailing theories linking ZnT8 function to type 2 diabetes pathogenesis and protection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on ZnT8, SLC30A8, and type 2 diabetes.
- Analysis of data from studies investigating ZnT8 function in beta cells.
- Examination of genetic association studies linking SLC30A8 variants to T2D risk.
Main Results:
- ZnT8 is critical for zinc accumulation within insulin secretory granules in beta cells.
- Studies in ZnT8 knockout mice provide insights into its role in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion.
- The protective mechanisms of SLC30A8 minor alleles against T2D are not fully elucidated but likely involve altered beta cell function.
Conclusions:
- ZnT8 is a significant factor in beta cell physiology and zinc regulation.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise molecular mechanisms by which ZnT8 influences T2D risk.
- Understanding ZnT8's role may offer novel therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Glucose Transporters
15.2K
Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
15.2K
01:26Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine
34.0K
Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...
34.0K
01:23Transcellular Transport of Solutes
4.0K
Transcellular transport of solutes is the movement of substances like monosaccharides and amino acids through polarized cells. This transport mechanism is primarily seen in epithelial and endothelial cells aided by membrane transport proteins such as channels and transporters. The tight junctions between these cells confine the membrane proteins to the two sides of the cell. The epithelial cells have distinct apical and basolateral domains. In contrast, the endothelial cells show the luminal...
4.0K
01:30Membrane Proteins
18.5K
Plasma membranes have integral transmembrane proteins involved in facilitated transport. These proteins are collectively referred to as transport proteins, and they function as either channels for the material or as carriers themselves. Channel proteins have hydrophilic domains exposed to the intracellular and extracellular fluids and a hydrophilic channel through their core that provides a hydrated opening for solutes to pass through the membrane layers. Passage through the channel allows...
18.5K
01:32Secondary Active Transport
12.8K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
12.8K
01:55Secondary Active Transport
122.9K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
122.9K