Fluorescent imaging of transition metal homeostasis using genetically encoded sensors

J.L. Vinkenborg, M.S.T. Koay, M. Merkx

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

61 Citations (Scopus)
2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

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 Zn2+ sensors has allowed sensitive detection of the very low free concentrations of Zn2+ 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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)231-237
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent Opinion in Chemical Biology
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fluorescent imaging of transition metal homeostasis using genetically encoded sensors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this