Free zinc has been implicated in biological processes such as gene expression, apoptosis, enzyme regulation, and neurotransmission. Its role in such processes is unclear, largely due to the dearth of available real-time imaging techniques. Most zinc sensors rely on chelation enhanced fluorescence to image zinc. The goal of the project is to improve on these sensors in three areas. First, the current sensors often bind other transition metal ions more tightly than Zn(ll); one equivalent of these alternate metal ions effectively deactivates the current probes. Second, the fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths need to be optimized. The emission wavelength, in particular, currently overlaps with many cellular chromophores. The project will seek to improve these properties by adding substituents to the fluorophore moiety of the sensor. Third, the zinc chemosensors often can only image part of the cell. The project will seek to incorporate protein-binding domains to target specific areas on the cell surface, specifically the ion channels that allow Zn(ll) influx into the post-synaptic neuron.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32NS048730-03
Application #
7024448
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03B (20))
Program Officer
Stewart, Randall R
Project Start
2004-03-01
Project End
2007-02-28
Budget Start
2006-03-01
Budget End
2007-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$48,796
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001425594
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139