ISZB 2009 Meeting :            Press here for ISZB 2009 Meeting Webpage

The 2009 meeting of the ISZB was held at Mishkenot Sha'ananim in Jerusalem, Israel on December 1-6.  The local organizing committee, composed of Israel Sekler, Ze'ev Silverman, Michal Hershfinkel and Jonathan Friedman, worked in conjunction with the ISZB meetings committee, chaired by Elias Aizenman, to put together a rich and interactive scientific and cultural program.  Over 100 scientists attended this meeting, sharing new data and ideas regarding the role zinc plays in a large number of biological systems.  In addition, attendees were introduced to the rich and varied history of Jerusalem during three comprehensive guided visits to the old city.  Here, we would like to highlight some of the many topics covered during this most recent gathering of the leading zinc scientists in the world.

Tools for studying cellular zinc homeostasis are essential, and an exciting and stimulating session was devoted to describing novel molecules and methodologies for Zn²⁺ sensing. New approaches for localization of fluorescent probes, dynamic and fast detection of intracellular Zn²⁺ and its release, as well as probes for different imaging methodologies were detailed. We later learned about methods to assess the levels of this ion in specific cellular compartments, and to start addressing the role of networks activated by movement of Zn²⁺ ions.

On the cellular level, several sessions addressed the important roles, as well as the mechanism of function, of various zinc transporters. In these sessions we learned about the interaction between intracellular Zn²⁺, transported into the cells via Zip proteins or released within the cells, and signaling pathways that are activated during cancer, autophagy, or activation of the cellular immune response. We also discussed the role of Zn²⁺ transporters in regulating Zn²⁺ metabolism in organ and tissue system, such as the mammary gland, connective tissue, and bone development. A stimulating presentation highlighted a potential new role for Zip4 and Zn²⁺ accumulation in cancer progression. Finally, the role of Zn²⁺ transporters diabetes, mood disorders, inflammation, digestive system function and age related macular degeneration was discussed.

A fascinating plenary lecture by Prof. Bruce Pitt from the University of Pittsburgh addressed the role of Zn²⁺ in activation of cellular pathways in pulmonary endothelial cells, affecting formation of stress fibers linked to vasoconstriction in the lungs.

Of course, no ISZB meeting would be complete without a rich complement of sessions centered on the role of Zn²⁺ in neurological disease. Zinc-regulation of potassium or calcium channels was shown to affect neuronal behavior during ischemia or epileptogenesis.  Important new data regarding the role role for Zn²⁺ in regulating NMDA and GABA pathways was presented. Dynamic regulation of Zn²⁺ levels was shown to be determined by both sensory experience and by injurious spreading depression.  The critical role Zn²⁺ may play in Alzheimer’s disease progression was also covered during the meeting. In an interesting opening lecture, Prof. Ilana Gozes from Tel Aviv University described the beneficial role of the peptide NAP, which also protects cells from zinc toxicity. Exciting new developments regarding the role of intracellular or synaptic Zn²⁺ on learning and memory as well as the effect of chaperones of this ion on cognitive function were presented.

Last but not least, four outstanding trainees were chosen to present their work and won ISZB awards: Elisa Tomat presented her work on Zn²⁺ detection, Benjamin Weaver presented his work on Zip5 translation, Veronica Lopez presented her work on the role of Zn²⁺ transporters in breast cancer and Rosa Puce presented her work on the role of Zn²⁺ in regulating p53 signaling and chemoresistivity.

The ISZB continues to provide a wonderful venue for cross-disciplinary interactions among zinc scientists.  Jerusalem provided a rich venue for our young society to continue to grow.  We anxiously await the next ISZB meeting!

Zinc Signals 2008 :

The inaugural meeting of the Society for Zinc in Biology, organized and presented by Drs. Katalin Toth and Richard Dyck, was held at the Banff Centre, in Alberta, Canada. This very successful meeting brought together more than 100 scientists studying zinc biology in a variety of fields. This brief overview will highlight only part of the excellent presentations, and we apologize for omitting some of the equally important topics.

Among the topics covered were the mechanism, function and regulation of zinc transporters, roles of synaptic Zn²⁺ and its regulation of numerous ionotropic as well as metabotropic pathways, intracellular regulators and modulators of Zn²⁺; zinc dyshomeostases and their contribution to cell survival or death. Finally, nutritional aspects of zinc deficiency were addressed.

Cellular zinc homeostasis is mediated by multiple zinc transporters and proteins, such as metallothioneins. The regulation of their expression in mammalian systems as well as in zebrafish were discussed, structural aspects of their function and results from modeling were also addressed. Aspects of dynamic zinc changes and their crosstalk with calcium signaling via multiple calcium channels and receptors were presented.

Throughout the meeting Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis was shown to play an important role in major pathologies ranging from epilepsy to diabetes and cancer. Thus, the role of zinc rise in ischemia as well as effects of zinc on white matter injury or regulation of the immune response were presented. Changes in expression and function of Zn²⁺ transporters in breast cancer, cardiac cells or the pancreas were discussed. In addition, the role of Zn²⁺ in facilitation of epileptic activity, acting directly or as a signaling molecule and therapeutic aspects of Zn²⁺ chelation in Alzheimer's disease illustrated clinical aspects of Zn²⁺ biology.  

A particularly important session for all Zn²⁺ researchers dealt with powerful new imaging tools. The need for precise methods for monitoring actual zinc concentrations was raised, together with the concern that chelators and fluorescent dyes are used at non-specific concentrations. This problem will continue to occupy zinc physiologists for the foreseeable future. In this session novel chemical or protein based zinc probes were presented, these can be targeted to specific cellular compartments and will facilitate more quantitative and localized assessment of zinc homeostasis in subcellular compartments.

Finally, a diverse poster session provided a stimulating interaction between students and established researchers. Prizes for outstanding presentation were made to two students: Mandar A. Aras from the University of Pittsburgh for his talk titled: "Death: Zinc's role in ischemic preconditioning" and to Jan Vinkenborg from the Eindhoven University of Technology for his talk titled: "Protein-based zinc sensing with high affinity and improved ratiometric response".

A key moment for the Society for Zinc Biology came with the creation of a board which will define the future goals and lay the groundwork for the next meeting. From the high level of research presented in Banff and the tremendous enthusiasm generated by the participants, it is clear that the Society for Zinc Biology has a bright future indeed.