Abstract
Zinc (Zn), one of the essential trace elements, is crucially involved in numbers of mammalian physiological events, thereby its dysregulation is causative of pathogenesis. Zn homeostasis is regulated by Zn transporter family members. Studies using gene-manipulated mice and human genetics revealed dysfunction of Zn transporters is potently associated with several statuses of human diseases. In this review, I will describe the role of the Zn transporter Slc39a13/Zip13 in bone, tooth and the connective tissue development based on comprehensive strategies using knockout mice and clinical cases, and also discuss the biological relevance of regulation of intracellular Zn distribution for physiological and pathological development in mouse and human.
