Optochemical control of Cu(i) homeostasis in mammalian cells

Copper can act as a double-edged sword as it can cause fatal diseases when in excess or shortage. Precise control of copper homeostasis is maintained by a complex machinery inside cells. To overcome imbalances in copper concentration, we have developed a simple system to control the cellular copper concentration by using a photocaged chelator and light. This photocaged chelator allowed us to control cellular copper concentration in a spatiotemporal manner.

Automated summary

Copper can be both harmful and essential, and its concentration needs to be precisely controlled within cells. We have developed a system using a photocaged chelator and light to regulate cellular copper concentration. This method allows us to control copper levels in cells in a spatiotemporal manner.