ZIP10, also known as Solute Carrier Family 39 Member 10 (SLC39A10), is a zinc transporter protein that belongs to the ZIP (Zrt-, Irt-like Protein) family.^1-3

The ZIP family includes 14 members (ZIP1 to ZIP14), that play a critical role in the transport of metal ions, primarily zinc, iron, and manganese, across cell membranes. ZIP family members are primarily involved in the uptake of zinc and iron into the cytoplasm from the extracellular space or from intracellular organelles. Their function mostly increases the cytoplasmic concentration of these metals by transporting them across cellular membranes.^1-3

ZIP10 is expressed at the cell membrane and serves as a zinc importer into cells. ZIP10 expression is also modulated by the available zinc concentration: upregulated in the presence of low zinc concentrations and downregulated when zinc is present in excess. ^2,3

ZIP10 plays a central role in immune function regulation in both the adaptive and innate immune system. ZIP10 regulates B-cell and T-cell development and function as well as having a role in the modulation of the inflammatory response in macrophages. ^4,5

ZIP10 is expressed in several organs like kidney and the central nervous system, but its exact physiological function is still not clear.

Dysregulated zinc homeostasis is linked to the development and progression of several cancers and ZIP10, in particular, has garnered attention for its involvement in cancer biology in particular through its heteromer formation with ZIP6, another ZIP family member.^2,6-8

ZIP10 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion and the regulation of apoptosis, in several cancer types including pancreatic, breast and prostate, suggesting that the inhibition of ZIP10 function could represent a therapeutic target in these and other tumors.^6-8