INOR 614 |
| Zinc is known to be present in pre-synaptic vesicles of certain neurons of the central nervous system and is believed to play a vital role in neurotransmission. During neurotransmission, Zn2+ is released in to the synaptic cleft along with other neurotransmitters and is believed to modulate the action of neurotransmitter-receptors on the post-synaptic membrane. There is evidence that Zn2+ also causes the release of Ca2+ in receptor neurons, thereby acting as an ionic signal between neurons. Many proposed Zn2+ signaling pathways involve sinusoidal fluctuations in the concentration of the metal ion. Reversible uncaging of Zn2+ will allow these processes to be mimicked. In reversible uncaging, the release of Zn2+ is brought about by a reversible process such as the cis-trans photoisomerization of an azobenzene. We have synthesized and characterized several compounds that may reversibly cage Zn2+. At present we are investigating their metal binding properties. |
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Inorganic Modeling of Biological Systems
7:00 PM-10:00 PM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 BCEC -- Exhibit Hall - B2, Poster
Division of Inorganic Chemistry |