Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Date of Defense

4-2-2012

Graduate Advisor

Colin W. MacDiarmid. PhD.

Committee

Thiel, Teresa

Olivas, Wendy

Zolman, Bethany

Abstract

Magnesium is an essential metal nutrient with diverse roles in biology. To maintain the optimal function of key biological processes, intracellular Mg2+ concentration is tightly regulated. Despite the importance of this process however, relatively little is known about mechanisms of Mg2+ homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. An understanding of homeostasis starts with defining the function of key transport proteins that allow the passage of Mg2+ ions across the membranes. Yeast geneticists have identified four proteins from Bakers' yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) involved in regulating the accumulation of Mg2+ within the cell (Alr1 and Alr2) and within the mitochondrial compartment (Mrs2 and Lpe10). These proteins all belong to a superfamily of Mg2+ channels that also include members from prokaryotic and higher eukaryotic organisms. A fifth yeast protein (Mnr2) also belongs to this family, but its function has not been defined. This work describes the results of experiments performed to identify the unique role of Mnr2 in the cell, and its relationship to other related proteins. These observations also define a novel process (intracellular Mg2+ storage) that significantly enhances tolerance to environmental variation.

OCLC Number

805397267

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