Genetic inactivation of zinc transporter SLC39A5 improves liver function and hyperglycemia in obesogenic settings
Authors: Chim Shek Man , Howell Kristen , Dronzek John , Wu Weizhen , Van Hout Cristopher , Ferreira Manuel Allen Revez , Ye Bin , Li Alexander , Brydges Susannah , Arunachalam Vinayagam , Marcketta Anthony , Locke Adam E , Bovijn Jonas , Verweij Niek , De Tanima , Lotta Luca , Mitnaul Lyndon , LeBlanc Michelle G. ,   Regeneron Genetics Center,   DiscovEHR collaboration, Carey David , Melander Olle , Shuldiner Alan , Karalis Katia , Economides Aris N. , Nistala Harikiran 
Published: December 2021

Recent studies have revealed a role for zinc in insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Randomized placebo-controlled zinc supplementation trials have demonstrated improved glycemic traits in patients with type II diabetes (T2D). Moreover, rare loss-of-function variants in the zinc efflux transporterSLC30A8reduce T2D risk. Despite this accumulated evidence, mechanistic understanding of how zinc influences systemic glucose homeostasis and consequently T2D risk remains unclear. To further explore the relationship between zinc and metabolic traits, we searched the exome database of the Regeneron Genetics Center-Geisinger Health System DiscovEHR cohort for genes that regulate zinc levels and associate with changes in metabolic traits. We then explored our main finding usingin vitroandin vivomodels. We identified rare loss-of-function (LOF) variants (MAF<1%) inSolute Carrier Family 39, Member 5 (SLC39A5)associated with increased circulating zinc (p=4.9x10-4). Trans-ancestry meta-analysis across four studies exhibited nominal association of SLC39A5 LOF variants with decreased T2D risk. To explore the mechanisms underlying these associations, we generated mice lackingSlc39a5.Slc39a5-/-mice display improved liver function and reduced hyperglycemia when challenged with congenital or diet-induced obesity. These improvements result from elevated hepatic zinc levels and concomitant activation of hepatic AMPK and AKT signaling, in part due to zinc mediated inhibition of hepatic protein phosphatase activity. Furthermore, under conditions of diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),Slc39a5-/-mice display significantly attenuated fibrosis and inflammation. Taken together, these results suggest SLC39A5 as a potential therapeutic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to metabolic derangements including T2D.

Lay summary

Loss of the Zinc transporter SLC39A5 protects from obesity-driven hyperglycemia and liver pathology.

Graphical abstract

Manuscript Highlights

Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations inSLC39A5associated with elevated circulating zinc levels and nominal reduction in type II diabetes risk in humans.

Loss ofSlc39a5results in elevated circulating and hepatic zinc levels in mice.

Mice lackingSlc39a5function are protected against hepatic steatosis and hyperglycemia resulting from diet-induced obesity or leptin-receptor deficiency and display reduced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis resulting from diet-induced NASH.

Loss ofSlc39a5function results in hepatic AMPK and AKT activation.

SLC39A5 is a potential therapeutic target for fatty liver disease and type II diabetes.