Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
11:31
Crystal Structure of the N-terminal Domain of Ryanodine Receptor from Plutella xylostella
Published on: November 30, 2018
7.9K
Structure of a transporter domain emerges
1From the Laboratory of Structural Neurobiology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|December 30, 2018
Summary
New research reveals the structure of a key magnesium transporter (CNNM family), uncovering a self-liganded architecture essential for magnesium efflux and hinting at a dimeric assembly for its function in cellular magnesium homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Magnesium homeostasis is crucial for cellular function.
- The CNNM family of proteins are key magnesium transporters.
- Limited structural and regulatory information exists for CNNM proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and regulatory mechanisms of the CNNM family's cytoplasmic domain.
- To elucidate the role of this domain in magnesium (Mg2+) transport.
- To understand the implications for CNNM protein function in disease.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical characterization of the CNNM cytoplasmic domain.
- Structural analysis to identify key architectural features.
- Functional assays to assess Mg2+ efflux activity.
Main Results:
- A conserved, self-liganded architecture was identified within the CNNM cytoplasmic domain.
- This architecture is indispensable for mediating Mg2+ efflux.
- Evidence suggests a potential dimeric assembly of CNNM proteins.
Conclusions:
- The identified self-liganded architecture is critical for CNNM-mediated Mg2+ transport.
- The dimeric assembly may play a significant role in regulating magnesium homeostasis.
- Further research into CNNM structure and regulation can illuminate disease mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
14.4K
Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain. Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to...
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to...
14.4K
01:27Emerging Adulthood
683
Jeffrey Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood offers a framework to understand the unique developmental stage between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, generally from ages 18 to 25. This period is marked by extensive exploration and shifts in identity, relationships, and career choices, a process known in psychology as role experimentation. Emerging adulthood reflects the evolving cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and the dynamic process of personal transformation during...
683
02:10Additional Subnuclear Structures
5.4K
The eukaryotic nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle that contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic material in the form of chromosomes. It is rightly called the “brain” of the cell as it shoulders the responsibility of responding to various physiological processes, stress, altered metabolic conditions, and other cellular signals.
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles,...
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles,...
5.4K
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
7.0K
In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...
7.0K
01:19Facilitated Transport
148.0K
The chemical and physical properties of plasma membranes cause them to be selectively permeable. Since plasma membranes have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, substances need to be able to transverse both regions. The hydrophobic area of membranes repels substances such as charged ions. Therefore, such substances need special membrane proteins to cross a membrane successfully. In facilitated transport, also known as facilitated diffusion, molecules and ions travel across a...
148.0K
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
363
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
363