May play a role in polarized cells by carrying out serosal-to-mucosal zinc transport (By similarity). Seems to play a central role in controlling organismal zinc status (By similarity). Could regulate the BMP/TGF-beta (bone morphogenetic protein/transforming growth factor-beta) signaling pathway and modulates extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of the sclera (PubMed:24891338). Plays a role in eye development (PubMed:24891338). Expressed in liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestine, colon, spleen, fetal liver and fetal kidney. Glycosylated. Methylated at His-375 by METTL9. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the ZIP transporter (TC 2.A.5) family. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-2 is the initiator. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus.