SLC39A12
Function
Uniporter that promotes Zn(2+) import from the extracellular space to the cytoplasm across the cell membrane. The transport activity is temperature dependent. May play a role in neurulation and neurite extension. May play a key role in maintaining intracellular zinc content at levels that reduce the inhibitory effects of rises in oxidative stress on spermatogonia and spermatozoa viability during spermatogenesis.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the ZIP transporter (TC 2.A.5) family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in brain and eye.
Cellular localization
- Membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- At low Zn(2+) extracellular concentration, is redistributed from the perinuclear space to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane.
Alternative names
ZIP12, SLC39A12, Zinc transporter ZIP12, LIV-1 subfamily of ZIP zinc transporter 8, Solute carrier family 39 member 12, Zrt- and Irt-like protein 12, LZT-Hs8, ZIP-12