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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Zinc Regulation Through ZnT1 Functionality
Published on: June 2, 2023
ZIP transporters-regulated Zn2+ homeostasis: A novel determinant of human diseases
Huimei Liu1, Lanfang Li1,2, Ruirui Lu2
1Department of Pharmacology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
Abstract:
As an essential trace element for organisms, zinc participates in various physiological processes, such as RNA transcription, DNA replication, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. The destruction of zinc homeostasis is associated with various diseases. Zinc homeostasis is controlled by the cooperative action of zinc transporter proteins that are responsible for the influx and efflux of zinc. Zinc transporter proteins are mainly categorized into two families: Zrt/Irt-like protein (SLC39A/ZIP) family and zinc transporter (SLC30A/ZNT) family. ZIP transporters contain 14 members, namely ZIP1-14, which can be further divided into four subfamilies. Currently, ZIP transporters-regulated zinc homeostasis is one of the research hotspots. Cumulative evidence suggests that ZIP transporters-regulated zinc homeostasis may cause physiological dysfunction and contribute to the onset and progression of diverse diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we initially discuss the structure and distribution of ZIP transporters. Furthermore, we comprehensively review the latest research progress of ZIP transporters-regulated zinc homeostasis in diseases, providing a new perspective into new therapeutic targets for treating related diseases.
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