Over recent years, the study of magnesium homeostasis has greatlybenefited from molecular genetic approaches that identified several new classesof magnesium transporters. These proteins demonstrate a diversity of structuralproperties and biophysical functions that often translate into a wide rangeof tissue-specific cellular activities. Among these novel channels, MagT1 hasgained most of the attention, given its high selectivity for Mg 2+ and its possibleinvolvement in cellular functions reaching far beyond magnesium homeostasis,as the latest findings seem to imply. Indeed, a signaling role for MagT1has been proven in T lymphocytes, where Mg 2+ functions as a second messenger,coupling TCR activation to intracellular effectors. We herein reviewthese intriguing results and discuss their potential implications for magnesiumresearch, and ultimately for therapeutic opportunities. As our knowledge ofmagnesium advances, it becomes increasingly clear that a deeper understandingof magnesium homeostasis is the key for a deeper insight into relevantpathophysiological conditions, and their treatment.
MagT1: a highly specific magnesium channel with important roles beyond cellular magnesium homeostasis
Wolf, Federica;Trapani, Valentina
2011-01-01
Abstract
Over recent years, the study of magnesium homeostasis has greatlybenefited from molecular genetic approaches that identified several new classesof magnesium transporters. These proteins demonstrate a diversity of structuralproperties and biophysical functions that often translate into a wide rangeof tissue-specific cellular activities. Among these novel channels, MagT1 hasgained most of the attention, given its high selectivity for Mg 2+ and its possibleinvolvement in cellular functions reaching far beyond magnesium homeostasis,as the latest findings seem to imply. Indeed, a signaling role for MagT1has been proven in T lymphocytes, where Mg 2+ functions as a second messenger,coupling TCR activation to intracellular effectors. We herein reviewthese intriguing results and discuss their potential implications for magnesiumresearch, and ultimately for therapeutic opportunities. As our knowledge ofmagnesium advances, it becomes increasingly clear that a deeper understandingof magnesium homeostasis is the key for a deeper insight into relevantpathophysiological conditions, and their treatment.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
