SLC39A8
SLC39A8, also known as ZIP8, ZIP-8 or BIGM103, is an electroneutral divalent metal cation:bicarbonate symporter of the plasma membrane. It mediates cellular uptake of zinc and manganese, and belongs to the ZIP transporter family. Browse Assay Genie's current range of SLC39A8 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
SLC39A8 (solute carrier family 39 member 8, also called metal cation symporter ZIP8) is an electroneutral symporter that transports a complex of a divalent metal cation with two bicarbonate anions, or alternatively a bicarbonate and a selenite anion. In this way it mediates uptake of zinc and manganese, two cations important for development, tissue homeostasis and immunity, and contributes to the cellular uptake of selenium. It also imports cadmium, a non-essential metal that is cytotoxic and carcinogenic, and may transport iron and cobalt.
Through zinc import, ZIP8 indirectly regulates the metal-dependent transcription factor MTF1 and the expression of some metalloproteases involved in cartilage catabolism, and probably heart development. It also influences expression of proteins involved in cell morphology and cytoskeleton organisation. By controlling zinc uptake, it modulates innate immune function and the inflammatory response, protects cells from injury and death at the onset of inflammation, and affects monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and arteries. Intracellularly, it probably translocates zinc from lysosome to cytosol, enhancing specific gene expression during TCR-mediated T cell activation.
SLC39A8 also handles manganese. It reclaims manganese from bile at the apical membrane of hepatocytes, thereby setting systemic levels that govern manganese-dependent enzymes, and takes part in manganese reabsorption in the kidney proximal tubule. At the blood-brain barrier it may contribute to manganese transport to the brain, and manganese uptake supports mitochondrial function. The SLC39A8 gene encodes a glycosylated protein found in the plasma membrane and mitochondria, and multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been reported. It was previously named solute carrier family 39 (metal ion transporter), member 8, and is considered the primary transporter of cadmium from cigarette smoke. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Slc39a8.
SLC39A8 mediates cellular zinc and manganese uptake, making it central to studies of how these cations support development, tissue homeostasis and immunity.
Zinc import through ZIP8 modulates gene expression in innate immune and inflammatory responses and protects cells at the onset of inflammation.
ZIP8 reclaims manganese from bile, aids renal reabsorption and may supply the brain across the blood-brain barrier, shaping manganese-dependent enzyme activity.
As the primary transporter of toxic cadmium, found in cigarette smoke, SLC39A8 is relevant to research on metal toxicity and carcinogenesis.
SLC39A8 is an electroneutral divalent metal cation:bicarbonate symporter that imports zinc and manganese across the plasma membrane, and also contributes to selenium uptake. Through zinc import it indirectly regulates MTF1 and genes involved in inflammation, immunity and cartilage catabolism.
SLC39A8 is also called ZIP8, ZIP-8 and BIGM103, and its UniProt name is metal cation symporter ZIP8. Earlier names described it as solute carrier family 39 (metal ion transporter) or (zinc transporter), member 8. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been reported.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an ortholog named Slc39a8, so the gene can be studied in rodent models. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before choosing a reagent for a given species.
Other solute carrier transporters, including metal ion and bile acid transporters, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9C0K1; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.