Cryo-EM structures of human magnesium channel MRS2 reveal gating and regulatory mechanisms

Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) play an essential role in cellular physiology. In mitochondria, protein and ATP synthesis and various metabolic pathways are directly regulated by Mg²⁺. MRS2, a magnesium channel located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, mediates the influx of Mg²⁺ into the mitochondrial matrix and regulates Mg²⁺ homeostasis. Knockdown of MRS2 in human cells leads to reduced uptake of Mg²⁺ into mitochondria and disruption of the mitochondrial metabolism. Despite the importance of MRS2, the Mg²⁺ translocation and regulation mechanisms of MRS2 are still unclear. Here, using cryo-EM we report the structures of human MRS2 in the presence and absence of Mg²⁺ at 2.8 Å and 3.3 Å, respectively. From the homo-pentameric structures, we identify R332 and M336 as major gating residues, which are then tested using mutagenesis and two cellular divalent ion uptake assays. A network of hydrogen bonds is found connecting the gating residue R332 to the soluble domain, potentially regulating the gate. Two Mg²⁺-binding sites are identified in the MRS2 soluble domain, distinct from the two sites previously reported in CorA, a homolog of MRS2 in prokaryotes. Altogether, this study provides the molecular basis for understanding the Mg²⁺ translocation and regulatory mechanisms of MRS2.