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Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Probes for Intracellular Zn2+ Imaging

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Zinc Signals in Cellular Functions and Disorders

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Abstract

In this chapter we provide an overview of the various genetically encoded fluorescent Zn2+ sensors that have been developed over the past 5 to 10 years. We focus on sensors based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), as these have so far proven to be the most useful for detecting Zn2+ in biological samples. Our goal is to provide a balanced discussion of the pros and cons of the various sensors and their application in intracellular imaging. Following the description of the various sensors, several recent applications of these sensors are discussed. We end the chapter by identifying remaining challenges in this field and discussing future perspectives.

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Acknowledgments

The work of the authors on genetically encoded fluorescent probes is supported by grants from The Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research (VIDI grant 700.56.428 and ECHO grant 700.59.013) and an ERC starting grant (ERC-2011-StG 280255).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Anne M. Hessels & Maarten Merkx

Authors
  1. Anne M. Hessels
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  2. Maarten Merkx
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Correspondence to Maarten Merkx .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Homeostatic Network, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

    Toshiyuki Fukada

  2. Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Taiho Kambe

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Hessels, A.M., Merkx, M. (2014). Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Probes for Intracellular Zn2+ Imaging. In: Fukada, T., Kambe, T. (eds) Zinc Signals in Cellular Functions and Disorders. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55114-0_7

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