Overview
- Peptide (C)EADFEKAHRSKK, corresponding to amino acid residues 31-42 of rat ZIP3 (Accession Q5U1X7). 1st intracellular loop.
- Rat and mouse brain lysates, mouse lung lysate, human MCF-7 and LNCaP cell lysates (1:200-1:2000).
- Western blot analysis of mouse lung (lanes 1 and 4), rat brain (lanes 2 and 5) and mouse brain (lanes 3 and 6) lysates:1-3. Anti-ZIP3 (SLC39A3) Antibody (#AZT-003), (1:400).
4-6. Anti-ZIP3 (SLC39A3) Antibody, preincubated with ZIP3/SLC39A3 Blocking Peptide (#BLP-ZT003). - Western blot analysis of human MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cell lysate (lanes 1 and 3) and human LNCaP prostate adenocarcinoma cell lysate (lanes 2 and 4):1,2. Anti-ZIP3 (SLC39A3) Antibody (#AZT-003), (1:200).
3,4. Anti-ZIP3 (SLC39A3) Antibody, preincubated with ZIP3/SLC39A3 Blocking Peptide (#BLP-ZT003).
- Rat brain sections (1:400).
Zinc uptake transporter, ZIP3, belongs to the SLC39 transporter family. ZIP transporters are responsible for zinc transport into the cytoplasm across cellular membranes, either influx from the extracellular space or efflux from intracellular organelles1. ZIP3 structure includes eight transmembrane (TM) domains with extracellular N- and C-termini1.
Mammalian ZIP3 is encoded by the SLC39A3 gene and its expression is detected in tissues with unique requirements for Zn2+. High levels of ZIP3 are noticed in specialized hormonally-responsive secretory tissues, such as the pancreas, prostate and mammary gland2.
Regulation and maintenance of proper concentration and distribution of cellular zinc nutrient by ZIP transporters are essential to the function, metabolism, growth, proliferation and survival of cells. Zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation, cognitive impairment, metabolic disorders, infertility, dysfunction of the immune system, including abnormalities in T-cells, natural killer cells and monocytes, and reduction in antibody formation1. However, excess zinc can be toxic, therefore, zinc transport plays a crucial role in regulating cellular zinc homeostasis and its levels are tightly regulated by the activity of zinc transporters.