Fluorescent imaging of transition metal homeostasis using genetically encoded sensors.
The ability to image the concentration of transition metals in living cells in real time is important for understanding transition metal (TM) homeostasis and its involvement in diseases. Genetically encoded fluorescent sensor proteins are attractive because they do not require cell-invasive procedures, can be targeted to different locations in the cell, and allow ratiometric detection. Important progress in the development of Zn(2+) sensors has allowed sensitive detection of the very low free concentrations of Zn(2+) in single cells, both in the cytosol and various organelles. Together with other recent advances in chemical biology, these tools seem particularly useful to interrogate the dynamics and compartmentation of TM homeostasis.
Vinkenborg
Jan L
JL
Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Koay
Melissa S
MS
Merkx
M
M
D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D028561:Transition Elements / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
D028561:Transition Elements; D015032:Zinc