December 2017: A chemical probe that glows when it binds to magnesium will help scientists view processes that occur inside cells. Magnesium is one of the most critical elements required for cells to function properly. At low concentrations, it contributes to the synthesis of DNA and helps regulate over 600 biochemical reactions fundamental to the body’s natural processes. A number of diseases are associated with abnormal levels of magnesium within the body – for instance, the progression of Parkinson’s disease – meaning there is a demand for chemical tools to investigate how it is stored in cells, what its concentration is, and how it behaves in both healthy and diseased systems. The new study, led by Dr Marc Vendrell of the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, describes the preparation of a new fluorescent agent that glows after binding to magnesium, which allows scientists to visualise and measure magnesium levels inside cells. Dr Vendrell says: This study opens many avenues to study the roles of magnesium in many biological contexts, and we are working with different research groups in Edinburgh to understand how the dysregulation of magnesium levels may affect disease progression Links: Published article in Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry (Royal Society of Chemistry website) Dr Marc Vendrell – Research Profile This article was published on 2024-09-10
