The Role of the SLC39A Family of Zinc Transporters in Zinc Homeostasis in Skin

The document reviewed the role of the Slc39a family of zinc transporters in skin health, emphasizing their importance in maintaining zinc homeostasis and their connection to skin disorders. Zinc deficiency, affecting an estimated 17% of the global population, can lead to dermatitis, alopecia, acne, eczema, and other skin issues. The review detailed the structure and function of the ZIP and ZnT families of zinc transporters and their roles in skin development, with specific transporters like ZIP4 and ZIP10 being crucial for epidermal health, and ZIP7 and ZIP13 for dermal health and connective tissue. Mutations in these transporters can lead to serious conditions such as transient neonatal zinc deficiency and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The paper also discussed the role of metallothioneins in zinc storage and protection against oxidative stress. It concluded that proper intracellular zinc distribution is vital for skin health and that controlling zinc levels through transporters could be a therapeutic strategy for skin regeneration, particularly in aging. The document did not report on a new empirical study but was a review of existing literature.