The solute carrier family 39 member 4 (SLC39A4), also known as ZIP4. is a zinc transporter protein critical for dietary zinc absorption, primarily in the intestines. It facilitates zinc uptake into cells by transporting extracellular zinc across plasma membranes. SLC39A4 mutations are linked to acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe zinc deficiency, leading to dermatological, gastrointestinal, and immunological impairments. Antibodies targeting SLC39A4 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional roles in physiological and pathological contexts.
SLC39A4 antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate zinc homeostasis mechanisms, tissue-specific expression patterns, and disease associations. Research has implicated dysregulated SLC39A4 in cancers, including pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinomas, where its overexpression often correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis. These antibodies also aid in exploring therapeutic strategies targeting zinc metabolism. Commercially available SLC39A4 antibodies are typically validated for specificity against human, mouse, or rat isoforms, enabling cross-species comparative studies. Understanding SLC39A4's role through antibody-based assays continues to advance insights into zinc-related pathologies and potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.