Zinc transporter ZIP10

Zinc transporter ZIP10 (SLC39A10) is a zinc-influx transporter protein that mediates cellular zinc uptake, particularly when forming heterodimers with SLC39A6 (UniProt: Q9ULF5). These heterodimeric complexes play essential roles in triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), initiating mitosis via zinc-dependent signaling, and controlling cell adhesion through NCAM1 phosphorylation. The protein is also involved in B-cell maintenance and humoral immune responses.

SLC39A10 is expressed in human tissues and participates in zinc homeostasis and cell migration pathways critical for development and immune function. No systemic disease associations are annotated in UniProt for this protein.

In Alzheimer's Disease, SLC39A10 is significantly down-regulated in post-mortem AD brain tissue compared to age-matched controls (mean log2 fold-change: −0.1552) based on quantitative proteomics analysis of subcellular fractions (Chaparral AD proteomics). The reduced zinc transporter availability in AD brain may compromise cellular zinc uptake and associated signaling cascades involved in cell migration and mitotic regulation, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration.