SLC39A13 (ZIP13) is a metal transporter protein that plays crucial roles in both zinc and iron homeostasis across multiple cellular compartments. As a zinc transporter, SLC39A13 transports Zn(2+) from the Golgi apparatus to the cytosol, influencing cytoplasmic zinc levels 12. Recent evidence demonstrates that SLC39A13 also promotes intracellular iron transport, facilitating iron movement from the cytosol to the ER/Golgi hub while reducing cytosolic iron levels 3. Loss of ZIP13 function causes iron deficiency in organellar compartments including ER/Golgi, lysosomes, and mitochondria, while elevating cytosolic iron 3. Mutations in SLC39A13 cause Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, spondylodysplastic type 3 (SCD-EDS), characterized by thin wrinkled skin, distinctive facial features, short stature, platyspondyly, and reduced collagen crosslink ratios 4. The condition may include vascular complications such as cerebrovascular accidents and severe keratoconus 4. SLC39A13 expression is altered with aging and obesity in brain tissue 5, and genetic variants have been associated with kidney disease 6. The protein's dual metal transport function makes it essential for maintaining proper cellular metal homeostasis across multiple organ systems.