SLC39A1 is a zinc transporter mediating divalent cation (Zn2+) influx across the plasma membrane, functioning as the major importer of zinc from circulating blood into prostate cells 1. Beyond its canonical zinc transport function, SLC39A1 plays critical roles in disease pathogenesis. In hepatocellular carcinoma, SLC39A1 interacts with dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) to facilitate mitochondrial fission and impair mitochondrial quality control, promoting HCC recurrence and correlating with poor overall survival 2. Conversely, in early-stage HCC, decreased SLC39A1 expression predicts unfavorable prognosis and reduced relapse-free survival, suggesting context-dependent roles 3. In gastric cancer, elevated SLC39A1 independently predicts poor outcomes by promoting proliferation and invasion 4. Mechanistically, SLC39A1 participates in metabolic reprogramming and anti-apoptotic signaling through interactions with mitochondrial transporters 5. In bone homeostasis, the miR-133-SLC39A1 axis regulates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, with SLC39A1 suppression contributing to estrogen-deficiency-induced osteoporosis 6. Additionally, SLC39A1 expression in blood tissues and exosomes associates with prostate cancer risk 7. These findings reveal SLC39A1 as a multifunctional protein with context-specific roles in cancer progression, bone metabolism, and immune responses.