Structure of ZnT8 zinc transporter in complex with autoantibody fragments to describe molecular details in T1D and T2D etiology

Mammalian zinc transporters (ZnTs) are critical in this process, contributing to a wide array of physiological and cellular functions. Several members of the family, including the pancreatic-specific ZnT8 transporter, are associated with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and other metabolic conditions. The structural and functional basis for mammalian zinc translocation remains poorly understood, as only limited structural information is available, and biochemical data and mechanistic models are inconsistent. Similarly, the molecular details in autoantibody-autoantigen interaction are scarcely defined making any therapeutic approach challenging. The objective of the project is to help to define the connection between structural features of hZnT8 and development of T1D and T2D.