The protein encoded by this gene is a zinc efflux transporter involved in the accumulation of zinc in intracellular vesicles. This gene is expressed at a high level only in the pancreas, particularly in islets of Langerhans. The encoded protein colocalizes with insulin in the secretory pathway granules of the insulin-secreting INS-1 cells. Allelic variants of this gene exist that confer susceptibility to diabetes mellitus, noninsulin-dependent (NIDDM). Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.SLC30A8 (Solute Carrier Family 30 Member 8) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with SLC30A8 include Diabetes Mellitus, Noninsulin-Dependent and Prediabetes Syndrome. Among its related pathways are Transport of glucose and other sugars, bile salts and organic acids, metal ions and amine compounds and Metal ion SLC transporters. GO annotations related to this gene include protein homodimerization activity and zinc ion transmembrane transporter activity. An important paralog of this gene is SLC30A2.