SLC30A8 Gene
Solute Carrier Family 30 Member 8 (ZnT8) (SLC30A8) is a gene involved in beta cell zinc transport / insulin secretion that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in SLC30A8 may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the SLC30A8 gene?
SLC30A8 encodes solute carrier family 30 member 8 (znt8), a protein involved in beta cell zinc transport / insulin secretion. It belongs to the Metabolic category and is part of the Metabolic Regulation biological cluster. SLC30A8 encodes ZnT8, a zinc transporter in pancreatic beta cells that loads zinc into insulin secretory granules.
Biological role and pathway
SLC30A8 is involved in the beta cell zinc transport / insulin secretion pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Metabolic Regulation cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
SLC30A8 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
ZnT8 variants (R325W) are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes risk; insulin secretion impairment may affect glucose metabolism in Long COVID and new-onset diabetes after COVID-19.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the SLC30A8 gene have been studied in relation to metabolic and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs13266634— SLC30A8 variant
Conditions studied in relation to SLC30A8
Research into SLC30A8 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that SLC30A8 causes or treats any condition.
Genetic insights from DNA data
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include SLC30A8 and related genes in the metabolic regulation pathway.
The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related genes in the Metabolic Regulation pathway
SLC30A8 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SLC30A8 gene and what does it do?
SLC30A8 (Solute Carrier Family 30 Member 8 (ZnT8)) is involved in beta cell zinc transport / insulin secretion. SLC30A8 encodes ZnT8, a zinc transporter in pancreatic beta cells that loads zinc into insulin secretory granules.
How may SLC30A8 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
ZnT8 variants (R325W) are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes risk; insulin secretion impairment may affect glucose metabolism in Long COVID and new-onset diabetes after COVID-19.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my SLC30A8 gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your SLC30A8 genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for SLC30A8. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33153018
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]NEJM