Abstract

Researchers use Functional Imaging to Elucidate the Role of Cellular Zn²⁺ in Human Immunity

Article on Nature Immunology journal

An international consortium of researchers has found a new mutation in a gene harboring a reticulum-to-cytoplasm zinc transporter. The gene is called ZIP7 and it is responsible for the early onset of infections in patients.

These findings led them to uncover the role of ZIP7 in B cell development. To elucidate the cellular function of ZIP7, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis to recreate the observed mutations in mice. They then studied primary cells with functional imaging and zinc biosensors to corroborate the mutations and see how cells handle zinc.

Authors

Topics & Tags

Because of the intrinsic variability found in primary cells, the researchers had to rely on fluorescence lifetime imaging to probe the Zn2+ function in these cells. The observed ZIP7 mutations eliminated the natural Zn2+ gradient present in precursor B cells. The absence of this gradient is key for development of the immunodeficiency found in patients.

Tile scan on SP8 FALCON showing primary murine pre B cells expressing the eCALWY-6 Zn2+ (2+ in superscript) biosensor (cyan fluorescence) and the corresponding DIC images.
Tile scan on SP8 FALCON showing primary murine pre B cells expressing the eCALWY-6 Zn2+ (2+ in superscript) biosensor (cyan fluorescence) and the corresponding DIC images.

Read full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-018-0295-8

Consuelo Anzilotti et al:
An essential role for the Zn2+ transporter ZIP7 in B cell development

Nature Immunology volume 20, pages 350–361 (2019) 

Related Products

Histological section from cat eye. Simultaneous spectral (grey) and FLIM (color) confocal imaging reveals contrast by lifetime. Acquisition and visualization using STELLARIS 8 FALCON and LAS X software.

STELLARIS 8 FALCON

FLIM Microscope
STELLARIS - Confocal Microscope Platform

STELLARIS 5 & STELLARIS 8

With STELLARIS, we have re-imagined the confocal microscope to empower you to drive progress in science.

Interested to know more?

Talk to our experts. We are happy to answer all your questions and concerns.

Contact Us

Do you prefer personal consulting?

  • Leica Microsystems Inc.
    1700 Leider Lane
    Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 United States
    Office Phone : +1 800 248 0123
    Service Phone : 1 800 248 0223
    Fax : +1 847-236-3009
    Routeplanner (google maps)

You will find a more detailed list of local contacts here.