SLC30A

SLC30A refers to the solute carrier family 30, best known as the ZnT family of zinc transporters. Members of this family mediate the efflux of Zn2+ from the cytosol into intracellular organelles or out of the cell, thereby contributing to cellular zinc homeostasis and supplying zinc for metalloproteins and enzymes. Zinc transport by ZnTs is generally coupled to proton gradients, and different family members are localized to various membranes, including the plasma membrane, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, lysosomes, and synaptic vesicles.

In humans, the SLC30A family comprises multiple genes commonly numbered SLC30A1 through SLC30A10 (ZnT1–ZnT10). Each member exhibits tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization that underpins specialized zinc handling in secretory tissues, neurons, endocrine cells, and other tissues. The diversity of localization allows ZnTs to regulate zinc availability in particular compartments, influencing processes from neurotransmission to hormone packaging.

Notable members include ZnT1 (SLC30A1), which helps export zinc at the plasma membrane; ZnT2 (SLC30A2), involved in concentrating zinc in secretory vesicles for milk; ZnT3 (SLC30A3), located in neuronal synaptic vesicles and implicated in synaptic zinc signaling; ZnT5 (SLC30A5) and ZnT6 (SLC30A6), which participate in Golgi zinc transport and may function together; ZnT7 (SLC30A7) also associated with the Golgi/secretory pathway; and ZnT8 (SLC30A8), which transports zinc into insulin granules in pancreatic beta cells and has been linked to type 2 diabetes risk through genetic studies. SLC30A9 and SLC30A10 have more limited or emerging functional data, with proposed roles in broader zinc homeostasis.

References to specific diseases emphasize the clinical relevance of ZnT-mediated zinc regulation, particularly in metabolic and neurological contexts.