The study of metal ions in the context of cell signaling has historically focused mainly on Ca2+, the second messenger par excellence. But recent studies support an emerging paradigm in which other metals, including magnesium and d-block metals, play a role in signal transduction as well. Armed with the right indicators, fluorescence microscopy offers a unique combination of spatial and temporal resolution perfectly suited to reveal metal transients in real time, while also helping identify possible sources of ion mobilization and molecular targets. With a focus on Mg2+, we highlight recent advancements in the development of molecular indicators and imaging strategies for the study of metal ions in signaling. We discuss remaining conceptual and technical challenges in the field, and we illustrate through the case of Mg2+ how the study of nontraditional ions in signaling is inspiring technological developments applicable more broadly to the study of metals in biology.

中文翻译：

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信号传导中待研究离子成像的进展：聚焦镁。


细胞信号传导背景下的金属离子研究历来主要集中在 Ca2+，即卓越的第二信使。但最近的研究支持了一种新兴的范例，其中其他金属，包括镁和 d 区金属，也在信号转导中发挥作用。配备正确的指示器，荧光显微镜提供了空间和时间分辨率的独特组合，非常适合实时揭示金属瞬态，同时还有助于识别离子动员和分子目标的可能来源。我们重点关注 Mg2+，重点介绍用于信号传导中金属离子研究的分子指示剂和成像策略开发的最新进展。我们讨论了该领域剩余的概念和技术挑战，并通过 Mg2+ 的案例说明了信号传导中非传统离子的研究如何激发更广泛地应用于生物学金属研究的技术发展。