Journal Article

Identification of SLC41A3 as a novel player in magnesium homeostasis

Arjona, Francisco J., de Baaij, Jeroen H.F., Lameris, Anke L.L., van den Brand, Michiel, Hoenderop, Joost G.J., Bindels, René J.M., Lavrijsen, Marla

2016

Overview

Regulation of the body Mg 2+ balance takes place in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), where transcellular reabsorption determines the final urinary Mg 2+ excretion. The basolateral Mg 2+ extrusion mechanism in the DCT is still unknown, but recent findings suggest that SLC41 proteins contribute to Mg 2+ extrusion. The aim of this study was, therefore, to characterize the functional role of SLC41A3 in Mg 2+ homeostasis using the Slc41a3 knockout ( Slc41a3 −/− ) mouse. By quantitative PCR analysis it was shown that Slc41a3 is the only SLC41 isoform with enriched expression in the DCT. Interestingly, serum and urine electrolyte determinations demonstrated that Slc41a3 −/− mice suffer from hypomagnesemia. The intestinal Mg 2+ absorption capacity was measured using the stable 25 Mg 2+ isotope in mice fed a low Mg 2+ diet. 25 Mg 2+ uptake was similar in wildtype ( Slc41a3 +/+ ) and Slc41a3 −/− mice, although Slc41a3 −/− animals exhibited increased intestinal mRNA expression of Mg 2+ transporters Trpm6 and Slc41a1 . Remarkably, some of the Slc41a3 −/− mice developed severe unilateral hydronephrosis. In conclusion, SLC41A3 was established as a new factor for Mg 2+ handling.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: 38/77 / 631/443/272/1684 / 692/308/1426 / 692/4022/1585/1 / 82/51 / Diet / Gene expression / Genotype & phenotype / Homeostasis / Humanities and Social Sciences / Life sciences / Magnesium / Medical research / multidisciplinary / Science / Science (multidisciplinary)