Magnesium homeostasis in mammalian cells

Abstract

Magnesium, the second most abundant cation within the cell, plays an important role in numerous biological functions. Experimental evidence indicates that mammalian cells tightly regulate cellular magnesium ion content through speci fic mechanisms controlling Mg2+ entry and efflux across the cell membrane and the membrane of various cellular organelles as well as intracellular Mg2+ buffering under resting conditions and following hormonal and metabolic stimuli. This chapter will provide an assessment of the various mechanisms controlling cellular Mg2+ homeostasis and transport, and the implications changes in cellular Mg2+ content play under physiological and pathological conditions. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013.