Role of ZIP Family Transporters in Zinc Uptake and Transport in Plants: Implications for Biofortification and Zinc Deficiency Mitigation

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient crucial for the physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Approximately 50% of global agricultural soils are Zn-deficient, leading to reduced crop yield and quality. The intricate balance of Zn uptake and homeostasis is most important for optimal plant growth and development, and its efficient uptake and transport within plants are facilitated by various families of metal transporters, including zinc-regulated transporter (ZRT)/iron-regulated transporter (IRT)-like protein (ZIP) family transporters through cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and detoxification of Zn in plants. ZIP transporters also exhibit the ability to transport other divalent metal cations, including Cd2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+. homeostasis. This paper reviews the role of ZIP transporters in Zn transport, focusing on their identification, characterization, and expression patterns in different plant species such as rice, maize, wheat, barley, and foxtail millet. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of manipulating ZIP transporter genes for biofortification purposes to enhance Zn content in crops, thereby addressing global zinc deficiency issues.