Zinc transporters of the LIV-1 subfamily in various cancers: Molecular insights and research priorities for Saudi Arabia

Alzahrani, Ahmed M. and Taylor, Kathryn M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9576-9490 2025. Zinc transporters of the LIV-1 subfamily in various cancers: Molecular insights and research priorities for Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26 (16) , 8080. 10.3390/ijms26168080

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Abstract

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in critical physiological functions such as gene expression, immune regulation, and cellular proliferation. This review explores the link between zinc homeostasis and cancer, with a specific focus on LIV-1 zinc transporters and their potential relevance to cancer research and treatment priorities in Saudi Arabia, as informed by global data. Zinc homeostasis is maintained by two major transporter families: ZIP (SLC39A) and ZnT (SLC30A). The dysregulation of specific ZIP transporters, particularly ZIP4, ZIP7, ZIP6, and ZIP10, has been implicated in cancer progression. Bioinformatic analyses revealed the significant overexpression of ZIP4, ZIP7, and ZIP6 in breast cancer and ZIP4 in colorectal cancer, which are the most common cancers among Saudi women and men, respectively. Notably, ZIP4 and ZIP7 upregulation correlated with poorer clinical outcomes, whereas ZIP6 was positively associated with survival in breast cancer. These findings underscore the potential of zinc transporters as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Despite the substantial global evidence, research on zinc transporters in the Saudi population remains limited. Considering the Kingdom’s rising cancer burden and unique genetic, environmental, and dietary factors, understanding zinc metabolism in this context is important. Targeted research may support precision medicine strategies and improve outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation goals.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Pharmacy
Publisher:	MDPI
ISSN:	1661-6596
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	29 August 2025
Date of Acceptance:	7 August 2025
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2025 15:36
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180744

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