School Seminar: Associate Professor Daniela Buccella; New York University

Wednesday, 11 August 11:00am – 12:00pm

This seminar will be delivered via Zoom – Please email chemistry.researchsupport@sydney.edu.au for zoom link and password.

Speaker: Associate Professor Daniela Buccella; New York University

Host: Professor Liz New

Title: Shining light on Biometals – Uncovering the Role of Magnesium(II) in Liver Disease

Abstract:

Magnesium(II) is the most abundant divalent cation in mammalian cells and plays a role in numerous processes that are key for proper cellular function, including structural, catalytic and regulatory roles. Abnormal levels of magnesium in serum or tissues have been associated with pathologies ranging from diabetes to cancer, yet the underlying mechanisms involving this metal in the development of disease are far from clear. To aid in elucidating these mechanisms, we have developed new families of fluorescent ratiometric indicators that can report on changes of Mg²⁺ at the cellular and subcellular level with improved resolution and selectivity, particularly against Ca²⁺, the most abundant competitor. Application of these new indicators have enabled direct observation of acute changes in mitochondrial Mg²⁺ concentration involved in apoptosis, and revealed chronic changes in the levels of the cation in cellular models of metabolic syndrome and liver disease. The results suggest targeting ion transport as a promising strategy against metabolic diseases and for enhancing the effect of anticancer drugs in multidrug resistant cancers.