Dual nanomolar and picomolar Zn(II) binding properties of metallothionein.
AuthorsKrezel A, Maret W,
JournalJ Am Chem Soc
PubMed ID17696343
'Each of the seven Zn(II) ions in the Zn(3)S(9) and Zn(4)S(11) clusters of human metallothionein is in a tetrathiolate coordination environment. Yet analysis of Zn(II) association with thionein, the apoprotein, and analysis of Zn(II) dissociation from metallothionein using the fluorescent chelating agents FluoZin-3 and RhodZin-3 reveal at least three classes ... More
Metals in neurobiology: probing their chemistry and biology with molecular imaging.
AuthorsQue EL, Domaille DW, Chang CJ,
JournalChem Rev
PubMed ID18426241
'In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the field of transition metals in neurobiology, focusing on the contributions of d-block metals zinc, iron, and copper to neurophysiology, aging, and neuropathology, as well as progress in the development of molecular probes for visualizing zinc, iron, and copper ion ... More
A new mitochondrial fluorescent zinc sensor.
AuthorsSensi SL, Ton-That D, Weiss JH, Rothe A, Gee KR
JournalCell Calcium
PubMed ID12887975
A novel cationic fluorescent zinc (Zn2+) indicator (RhodZin-3) with nanomolar affinity for Zn2+ has been synthesized. RhodZin-3 exhibits large pH-independent fluorescence increases in the orange region of the visible wavelength spectrum with increasing zinc concentrations, and no sensitivity to physiologically relevant Ca2+ concentrations. Experiments in neuronal cell cultures show that ... More
Synthetic fluorescent sensors for studying the cell biology of metals.
AuthorsDomaille DW, Que EL, Chang CJ,
JournalNat Chem Biol
PubMed ID18277978
Metals are essential for sustaining all forms of life, but alterations in their cellular homeostasis are connected to severe human disorders, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Fluorescent small molecules that respond to metal ions in the cell with appropriate selectivity and sensitivity offer the ability to probe physiological and ... More
Pancreatic beta-cells secrete insulin in fast- and slow-release forms.
AuthorsMichael DJ, Ritzel RA, Haataja L, Chow RH,
JournalDiabetes
PubMed ID16505221
Insulin vesicles contain a chemically rich mixture of cargo that includes ions, small molecules, and proteins. At present, it is unclear if all components of this cargo escape from the vesicle at the same rate or to the same extent during exocytosis. Here, we demonstrate through real-time imaging that individual ... More