We herein described (1) that SLC39A13 is crucially involved in connective tissue development, (2) the emerging role of the Zn transporter SLC39A13 in BMP/TGF-β signaling in corresponding tissues and cells, (3) that SLC39A13 dysfunction causes skeletal and connective tissue disease both in mouse and man, (4) and thus that Slc39a13-KO mouse is a novel animal model for human connective tissue diseases. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and connective tissue disorder.