SLC30A3 encodes zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3), a proton-coupled zinc ion antiporter that primarily functions to transport zinc from the cytoplasm into synaptic vesicles and other intracellular compartments 1. The protein is localized to synaptic vesicles in glutamate synapses and plays a crucial role in cellular zinc homeostasis, particularly in the brain 2. ZnT3 mediates zinc uptake into vesicles in neurons and is involved in maintaining zinc-glutamate homeostasis 3. The transporter also appears to function in oocytes, where it facilitates zinc ion accumulation, though its loss does not impair fertility 4. SLC30A3 exhibits protective functions against cellular stress, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, through ERK1/2 pathway activation 5. Genetic variants in SLC30A3 influence serum zinc concentrations and show gender-specific associations with schizophrenia risk in females 672. The gene is consistently down-regulated in schizophrenia patients and may contribute to cognitive dysfunction 2. Additionally, SLC30A3 expression affects cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin, with overexpression decreasing drug sensitivity 8. These findings highlight SLC30A3's importance in neurological function, cellular stress responses, and disease susceptibility.