abstract
- Labile zinc (Zn2+) represents an important fraction of the total intracellular zinc pool that is readily available for binding. The signaling function of labile Zn2+ lies in its dynamic nature. Fluctuations in labile Zn2+ concentrations caused by either endogenous or exogenous stimuli can transiently influence cellular microenvironments, leading to modulation of signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on recent findings of zinc transients that influence cellular processes in mammalian systems. We highlight different types of zinc transients and how cellular zinc status plays regulatory roles in early development, gene expression, and kinase or neuronal signaling. Although the molecular mechanism behind how zinc transients activate signaling cascades is not clear in all cases, charting these interactions is the first step in the process.