The paper introduces hpGRISZ, a fluorescent biosensor for in vivo imaging of synaptic zinc dynamics, showing high responsiveness and suitability for detecting extracellular zinc release.

bioRxiv · Oct 6, 2025 · PreprintNeuroscience

Bioluminescence Imaging of Potassium Ion Using a Sensory Luciferin and an Engineered Luciferase

Shengyu Zhao, Ying Xiong, Ranganayakulu Sunnapu, Yiyu Zhang, Xiaodong Tian, Hui-wang Ai

This paper develops a bioluminescent indicator for potassium ions using a modified luciferin and engineered luciferase, validated in cell lines, neurons, and live mice.

bioRxiv · Mar 13, 2024Biochemistry

A Genetically Encoded Far-Red Fluorescent Indicator for Imaging Synaptically-Released Zn2+

Tianchen Wu, Manoj Kumar, Jing Zhang, Shengyu Zhao, Mikhail A. Drobizhev, Mason McCollum, Charles T. Anderson, Ying Wang, Antje Pokorny, Xiaodong Tian, Yiyu Zhang, Thanos Tzounopoulos, Hui‐wang Ai

This study develops a genetically encoded far-red fluorescent indicator (FRISZ) to image synaptic Zn2+ dynamics in live animals and demonstrates its use in the auditory cortex of awake mice.

Science Advances · Mar 1, 2023Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

A Fast High-Affinity Fluorescent Serotonin Biosensor Engineered from a Tick Lipocalin

Shen Zhang, Xinyu Li, Shengyu Zhao, Mikhail A. Drobizhev, Hui‐wang Ai

The authors retracted their paper due to irreproducible results and contamination issues in their experimental materials.

Nature Methods · Feb 25, 2021Peer-reviewedNeuroscience