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Magnesium as a regulatory cation: criteria and evaluation
Magnesium
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Magnesium (Mg2+) is emerging as a key intracellular regulator, similar to calcium (Ca2+). While evidence is strong, further research is needed to fully establish Mg2+'s regulatory role in cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Calcium (Ca2+) is a well-established intracellular regulator.
- Magnesium (Mg2+) is another major intracellular divalent cation with less extensive study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the understanding of Mg2+ physiology and biochemistry.
- To evaluate the evidence for Mg2+ as an intracellular regulatory cation based on four proposed criteria.
Main Methods:
- Development of four criteria to assess Mg2+ regulatory capacity.
- Review of existing literature on cellular processes, Mg2+ transport, compartmentalization, and temporal relationships.
Main Results:
- Criteria 1 (Mg2+-sensitive processes) and 2 (Mg2+ transport) are largely met.
- Criteria 3 (compartmentalization) and 4 (sequential changes) are partially met, limited by measurement techniques.
- Strong, though incomplete, evidence suggests Mg2+ plays an active regulatory role.
Conclusions:
- Mg2+ likely functions as a long-term regulator, controlling system set points or gain.
- Ca2+ appears to be an acute, transient regulator, while Mg2+ offers more sustained control.
- Further development of methods for measuring intracellular free Mg2+ is crucial.