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Electrostatic Charge Shielding Effect of ATP: Implications for Therapeutic Intervention
Yongsoo Park1,2
1Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as an electrostatic regulator, not just an energy source. High cellular concentrations of magnesium-ATP complexes shield charges, maintaining protein solubility and preventing aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biophysics
Background:
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary cellular energy currency.
- ATP's triphosphate chain possesses significant negative charge at physiological pH.
- High cytosolic ATP concentrations (~5-10 mM) exceed those needed for catalysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the electrostatic charge shielding roles of Mg2+/ATP.
- To explore ATP's function beyond energy provision.
- To highlight Mg2+/ATP as a regulator of biomolecular interactions and a potential therapeutic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ATP's electrostatic properties.
- Analysis of ATP's role in cellular processes.
- Examination of Mg2+/ATP complex formation and function.
Main Results:
- Mg2+/ATP complexes shield electrostatic interactions due to high charge density.
- Elevated ATP levels maintain protein solubility and prevent aggregation.
- Mg2+/ATP influences membrane interactions, vesicle fusion, nucleic acid stability, and protein aggregation.
Conclusions:
- Mg2+/ATP is a critical electrostatic regulator in cellular physiology.
- ATP's high abundance is linked to its role in maintaining protein solubility.
- Mg2+/ATP is a promising therapeutic target for diseases involving aberrant biomolecular condensation.
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