title: Techniques for measuring cellular zinc.
abstract: The development and improvement of fluorescent Zn2+sensors and Zn2+imaging techniques have increased our insight into this biologically important ion. Application of these tools has identified an intracellular labile Zn2+pool and cultivated further interest in defining the distribution and dynamics of labile Zn2+. The study of Zn2+in live cells in real time using sensors is a powerful way to answer complex biological questions. In this review, we highlight newly engineered Zn2+sensors, methods to test whether the sensors are accessing labile Zn2+, and recent studies that point to the challenges of using such sensors. Elemental mapping techniques can complement and strengthen data collected with sensors. Both mass spectrometry-based and X-ray fluorescence-based techniques yield highly specific, sensitive, and spatially resolved snapshots of metal distribution in cells. The study of Zn2+has already led to new insight into all phases of life from fertilization of the egg to life-threatening cancers. In order to continue building new knowledge about Zn2+biology it remains important to critically assess the available toolset for this endeavor.
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States. Electronic address: mollyccarpenter@gmail.com.
authors: Margaret C
authors: MC
authors: Carpenter
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States. Electronic address: maria.lo@colorado.edu.
authors: Maria N
authors: MN
authors: Lo
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States. Electronic address: amy.palmer@colorado.edu.
authors: Amy E
authors: AE
authors: Palmer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001671:Biochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D002138:Calibration; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007477:Ions; D007700:Kinetics; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D017356:Synchrotrons; D015032:Zinc / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007477:Ions; D015032:Zinc
keywords: Cells; Elemental analysis; Fluorescent sensors; Genetically encoded sensors; Imaging; Zinc