Together with SLC30A6 forms a functional proton-coupled zinc ion antiporter mediating zinc entry into the lumen of organelles along the secretory pathway (  ). By contributing to zinc ion homeostasis within the early secretory pathway, regulates the activation and folding of enzymes like alkaline phosphatases and enzymes involved in phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis ( , ). Through the transport of zinc into secretory granules of pancreatic beta-cells, plays an important role in the storage and secretion of insulin .
Zinc ion:proton antiporter mediating influx and efflux of zinc at the plasma membrane.
Subcellular locations: Golgi apparatus, Golgi stack membrane, Cytoplasmic vesicle, COPII-coated vesicle membrane, Cytoplasmic vesicle, Secretory vesicle membrane, Golgi apparatus, Trans-Golgi network membrane
Enriched in early compartments of the secretory pathway including COPII-coated vesicles and the Golgi cis cisterna.
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane, Cell membrane, Apical cell membrane
Ubiquitously expressed (, ). Highly expressed in pancreas, liver and kidney . Expressed abundantly in insulin-containing beta cells, undetectable in other endocrine cell types including glucagon-secreting alpha cells and most acinar cells (at protein level) .