Zn 2+ influx activates ERK and Akt signaling pathways

Significance While zinc (Zn2+ ) is a vital ion for cell function and human health, little is known about the role it plays in regulating cell signaling. Here, we use fluorescent tools to study the interaction between Zn2+ and cell signaling pathways that play a role in cell growth and proliferation. Importantly, we use small, non-toxic Zn2+ concentrations to ensure that our Zn2+ changes are closer to what cells would experience in the body and not stress inducing. We also demonstrate that these signaling changes are driven by Ras activation, which contradicts one of the major hypotheses in the field. Our sensors shed light on how cells respond to an important micronutrient in real time.