Neuronal signalling of zinc: from detection and modulation to function.

Zinc is an essential trace element that stabilizes protein structures and allosterically modulates a plethora of enzymes, ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Labile zinc (Zn) acts as an intracellular and intercellular signalling molecule in response to various stimuli, which is especially important in the central nervous system. Zincergic neurons, characterized by Zn deposits in synaptic vesicles and presynaptic Zn release, are found in the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, olfactory bulb and spinal cord. To provide an overview of synaptic Zn and intracellular Zn signalling in neurons, the present paper summarizes the fluorescent sensors used to detect Zn signals, the cellular mechanisms regulating the generation and buffering of Zn signals, as well as the current perspectives on their pleiotropic effects on phosphorylation signalling, synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, as well as sensory and cognitive function.