ZnT2 is a member of the SLC30 family of zinc transporters which promotes the influx of zinc ions into synaptic vesicles of glutamatergic neurons from the cytoplasm, intracellular organelles, or to the outside of the cell. ZnT2 is responsible for maintaining high intravesicular zinc content. In addition, ZnT2 also imports zinc into the mitochondria, which constricts ATP generation and activates apoptosis. ZnT2 is encoded by the Slc30a2 gene and functions as a homo- or heterodimer. The protein structure consists of six transmembrane domains with cytoplasmic N- and C-termini that contain multiple regulatory domains¹.

Expression of ZnT2 is restricted to secretory cells, such as acinar pancreatic cells, prostate epithelial cells, placental trophoblasts, placenta, ovary and mammary epithelial cells^1,2.

Studies show that eight missense mutations have been identified in the human SLC30A2 gene that lead to pathologically low breast milk Zn concentrations and severe zinc deficiency in breastfed infants, a disorder known as transient neonatal zinc deficiency¹.