The synthesis and structural characterization of the first polymeric M-HDTMP organic-inorganic hybrids are described [M = Zn2+, Ca2+; HDTMP = hexamethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonate)]. The 3D crystal structure of the Zn2+ analogue [Zn(HDTMP) x H2O] is described. The Zn center is found in a distorted octahedral environment of phosphonate oxygens. There is a long Zn...O interaction (2.6...

Transient global ischemia is a neuronal insult that induces delayed cell death. A hallmark event in the early post-ischemic period is enhanced permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The precise mechanisms by which mitochondrial function is disrupted are, as yet, unclear. Here we show that global ischemia promotes alterations in mitochondrial membrane contact points, a rise in intramitochondri...

An inducible expression vector, utilizing the metal response elements from the human metallothionein IIA promoter and encoding human prepro-insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), was transfected into MCF-7 McG cells, an MCF-7 subline which exhibits an estrogen dependent phenotype in vitro and does not express detectable levels of IGF-II mRNA. Two stably transfected clones, designated MI5 and M...

Voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1/VSOP) are expressed in various cells types, including phagocytes, and are involved in diverse physiological processes. Although hvcn1, the gene encoding Hv1, has been identified across a wide range of species, most of the knowledge about its physiological function and expression profile is limited to mammals. In this study, we investigated the basic properties...

Zinc ion-induced assembly of tubulin was followed using electron microscopy and turbidimetric measurements. A scheme utilizing repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly was used to prepare tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) (Shelanski, M. L., Gaskin, F., and Cantor, C. R. (1973) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 70, 765-768). Tubulin was further purified by phosphocellulose chro...

Daphnia magna was acclimated for six generations to an acclimation range of 0.02 to 74 microg/L of Zn2+. This range was determined by combining physicochemical water characteristics of European surface waters with total Zn concentrations in these waters in such a way that they resulted in minimal and maximal free (i.e., assumed bioavailable) Zn ion activities. No significant differences were fo...

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between plasma zinc values and the severity of dengue viral infection (DVI) and DVI-caused hepatitis. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted during 2008-2010 in hospitalized children aged <15 years confirmed with DVI. Complete blood count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and zinc values (mcg/dL) were determine...

Effects of zinc, an endogenous neuromodulator in the central nervous system, on glycine receptors (GlyRs) in retinal ganglion cells were investigated by using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Zn2+ at low concentration (<2 microM) potentiated the glycine-induced chloride current and at higher concentration (>10 microM) suppressed it. This biphasic regulatory action of zinc acted selective...

Genetically encoded FRET-based sensor proteins have significantly contributed to our current understanding of the intracellular functions of Zn2+. However, the external excitation required for these fluorescent sensors can give rise to photobleaching and phototoxicity during long-term imaging, limits applications that suffer from autofluorescence and light scattering, and is not compatible with...