Magnesium transporter protein SLC41A1 (SLC41A1)

Magnesium transporter protein SLC41A1 is a plasma membrane transporter that mediates transmembrane magnesium ion (Mg2+) flux, playing a central role in cellular magnesium homeostasis. SLC41A1 belongs to the solute carrier 41 family and shares homology with the bacterial MgtE transporter family. Its expression is regulated by extracellular magnesium concentration and involves endosomal recycling via its N-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Mutations in SLC41A1 have been found in susceptibility loci for Parkinson's disease in humans, although the precise mechanisms by which it contributes to disease remain under investigation. SLC41A1's transport function is selective for magnesium but may also facilitate flux of other divalent cations like Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ under certain conditions, raising concerns about heavy metal toxicity in states of magnesium depletion[1][2][3][4]. SLC41A1 also regulates circadian cellular Mg2+ fluctuations, influencing metabolism and clock-controlled gene expression[5].

Other names

Solute carrier family 41 member 1SLC41A1

Facilitation of Mg2+ transport across cell membranes; proposed Na+/Mg2+ exchanger in some contexts