Tools and techniques for illuminating the cell biology of zinc

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res. 2021 Jan;1868(1):118865. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118865. Epub 2020 Sep 24.

Abstract

Zinc (Zn2+) is an essential micronutrient that is required for a wide variety of cellular processes. Tools and methods have been instrumental in revealing the myriad roles of Zn2+ in cells. This review highlights recent developments fluorescent sensors to measure the labile Zn2+ pool, chelators to manipulate Zn2+ availability, and fluorescent tools and proteomics approaches for monitoring Zn2+-binding proteins in cells. Finally, we close with some highlights on the role of Zn2+ in regulating cell function and in cell signaling.

Keywords: Chelators; Fluorescent sensors; Methods; Proteomics; Tools; Zinc.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / isolation & purification*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / chemistry
  • Micronutrients / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Zinc / chemistry
  • Zinc / isolation & purification*
  • Zinc / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Micronutrients
  • zinc-binding protein
  • Zinc