Heme Gazing: Illuminating Eukaryotic Heme Trafficking, Dynamics, and Signaling with Fluorescent Heme Sensors

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00007
• Publication Date: 2017-03-18T16:08:45Z
• Authors: David A. Hanna; Osiris Martinez-G...; Amit R. Reddi
• Keywords: Hemeprotein; Cell Signaling

Heme (iron protoporphyrin IX) is an essential protein prosthetic group and signaling molecule required for most life on Earth. All heme-dependent processes require the dynamic rapid mobilization of heme from sites synthesis or uptake to hemoproteins present in virtually every subcellular compartment. The cytotoxicity hydrophobicity necessitate that be carefully controlled mitigate deleterious effects this toxin. Indeed, a number disorders, including certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, aging age-related neurodegenerative are tied defects homeostasis. However, molecules mechanisms mediate transport trafficking, dynamics these processes, poorly understood. This large part due lack physical tools probing cellular heme. Herein, we discuss recent development fluorescent probes can monitor image kinetically labile with respect its role signaling. In particular, will highlight how gazing uncover new trafficking factors upon being integrated genetic screens illuminate concentration, distribution, various physiological contexts. Altogether, monitoring heme, along biochemical cell biological studies demonstrating reversible regulation by challenging us reconceptualize static cofactor buried active mobile molecule.