SLC39A11: A Zinc Transporter and Potential Drug Target (G201266)

Target Name: SLC39A11

NCBI ID: G201266

SLC39A11: A Zinc Transporter and Potential Drug Target

Sodium-dependent zinc transporter 39 (SLC39A11) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of zinc homeostasis in various tissues and cells. It is a member of the SLC39 family, which includes four structurally similar transporters: SLC39A1, SLC39A2, SLC39A3, and SLC39A4. SLC39A11 is expressed in a variety of tissues, including the brain, pancreas, heart, and kidney, and is involved in the transport of zinc ions from the extracellular environment to the intracellular space.

SLC39A11 functions as a zinc transporter, which means it allows zinc ions to enter cells from the outside of the cell. Zinc ions are essential for a wide range of biological processes, including DNA replication, cell growth, and immune function. However, aberrant levels of zinc ions in the body can cause a range of health problems, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as immune system dysregulation. Therefore, the regulation of zinc homeostasis is critical for maintaining cellular and organismal health.

SLC39A11 is a promising drug target due to its unique function in the regulation of zinc homeostasis. The exact mechanism by which SLC39A11 promotes zinc homeostasis is not well understood, but several studies have identified its involvement in various cellular processes.

One of the key functions of SLC39A11 is its role in maintaining the stability of intracellular zinc levels. Zinc ions are essential for the regulation of a variety of cellular processes, including DNA replication, gene expression, and signaling pathways. However, the levels of these ions in the cytosol can fluctuate, and it is important to maintain a stable intracellular environment for these ions to function correctly. SLC39A11 is involved in this process by helping to regulate the movement of zinc ions from the extracellular environment to the intracellular space.

SLC39A11 is also involved in the regulation of zinc levels in the brain, which is a critical organ for the regulation of intracellular zinc levels. The brain is home to a high concentration of zinc ions, which are essential for the development and maintenance of neural circuits. SLC39A11 plays a critical role in the regulation of zinc levels in the brain by allowing zinc ions to enter and exit cells at a specified rate.

In addition to its role in maintaining intracellular zinc levels, SLC39A11 is also involved in the regulation of zinc levels in other tissues and organs. For example, SLC39A11 is expressed in the pancreas, which is responsible for producing and secreting insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The regulation of zinc levels by SLC39A11 may be important for the proper function of the pancreas and the regulation of blood sugar levels.

SLC39A11 is also involved in the regulation of zinc levels in the heart and kidney. These organs are responsible for maintaining blood pressure and regulating the flow of blood and water in the body. SLC39A11 plays a critical role in the regulation of zinc levels in these tissues by allowing zinc ions to enter and exit cells at a specified rate.

The potential drug targets for SLC39A11 are vast, as it is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes that are important for maintaining cellular and organismal health. One of the most promising potential drug targets for SLC39A11 is the regulation of the activity of enzymes that

Protein Name: Solute Carrier Family 39 Member 11

Functions: Functions as a cellular zinc transporter

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