Structural basis for ion selectivity revealed by high-resolution crystal structure of Mg2+ channel MgtE

Magnesium is the most abundant divalent cation in living cells and is crucial to several biological processes. MgtE is a Mg2+ channel distributed in all domains of life that contributes to the maintenance of cellular Mg2+ homeostasis. Here we report the high-resolution crystal structures of the transmembrane domain of MgtE, bound to Mg2+, Mn2+ and Ca2+. The high-resolution Mg2+-bound crystal structure clearly visualized the hydrated Mg2+ ion within its selectivity filter. Based on those structures and biochemical analyses, we propose a cation selectivity mechanism for MgtE in which the geometry of the hydration shell of the fully hydrated Mg2+ ion is recognized by the side-chain carboxylate groups in the selectivity filter. This is in contrast to the K+-selective filter of KcsA, which recognizes a dehydrated K+ ion. Our results further revealed a cation-binding site on the periplasmic side, which regulate channel opening and prevents conduction of near-cognate cations. MgtE is a magnesium ion-selective channel conserved in all domains of life that contributes to the maintenance of cellular Mg2+homeostasis. Here, the authors provide high-resolution crystal structures of MgtE combined with biochemical analyses that reveal the molecular basis for selectivity.