title: Genetically-encoded FRET-based sensors for monitoring Zn(2+) in living cells.
abstract: Genetically-encoded fluorescent sensor proteins are attractive tools for studying intracellular Zn(2+) homeostasis and signaling. Here we provide an overview of recently developed sensors based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). The pros and cons of the various sensors are discussed with respect to Zn(2+) affinity, dynamic range, intracellular targeting and multicolor imaging. Recent applications of these sensors are described, as well as some of the challenges that remain to be addressed in future research.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. m.merkx@tue.nl.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hessels
authors.forename: Maarten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merkx
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D002470:Cell Survival; D002477:Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D006801:Humans; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc