ZIP5 Background Information
Zinc is an essential cofactor that is involved in cell growth and development, as well as in protein, nucleic acid and lipid metabolism. The transport of zinc across the cell membrane is crucial for correct enzyme and overall cell function. ZIP5, also known as SLC39A5 (solute carrier family 39 (metal ion transporter), member 5) or LZT-Hs7, is a 539 amino acid multi-pass membrane protein that localizes to the basolateral cell membrane and belongs to the ZIP family of zinc transporters. Expressed in colon, liver, pancreas, kidney, spleen and small intestine, ZIP5 is thought to play a role in serosal-to-mucosal zinc transport, thereby influencing polarized cells and controlling organismal zinc status. The gene encoding ZIP5 maps to human chromosome 12, which encodes over 1,100 genes and comprises approximately 4.5% of the human genome.
