Solute Carrier Family 39, Member 13 (SLC39A13)

Zinc is an essential cofactor for hundreds of enzymes. It is involved in protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, as well as in the control of gene transcription, growth, development, and differentiation. SLC39A13 belongs to a subfamily of proteins that show structural characteristics of zinc transporters.

Slc39a13 was expressed in osteoblasts of tibia and alveolar bone, in proliferative zone of growth plate, in odontoblasts of the forming dentine crown in molar teeth, and in fibroblasts of the reticular layer of skin. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Slc39a13 localized in the perinuclear region of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, pulpal cells, and fibroblasts and was mainly associated with the Golgi apparatus.