The SLC41 family of MgtE-like magnesium transporters

Magnesium is one of the most predominant intracellular divalent cations and is requisite to the regulation of a diverse array of cellular functions. Although accumulating data from multiple studies have begun to illuminate the critical role(s) played by Mg2+ transporters in pathways involved in cell signaling, metabolism, growth and proliferation, there is still a lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms that govern those various functions. In this review, we focus on the recently described SLC41 family of magnesium transporters, two members of which have been shown to mediate Mg2+ uptake and transport, and highlight what is known about their expression, localization, and function, as well as their roles and contributions to cellular Mg2+ transport.