The function of SLC39A12 (solute carrier family 39 member 12, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000148482) is as follows. Uniporter that promotes Zn(2+) import from the extracellular space to the cytoplasm across the cell membrane. The transport activity is temperature dependent. May play a role in neurulation and neurite extension. May play a key role in maintaining intracellular zinc content at levels that reduce the inhibitory effects of rises in oxidative stress on spermatogonia and spermatozoa viability during spermatogenesis. .