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| Title | Molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca exchanger NCLX. |
|---|---|
| Journal, issue, pages | Nat Commun, Year 2026 |
| Publish date | Jul 10, 2026 |
Authors | Li Zhang / Yan Han / Weizhong Zeng / Jing Xue / Yan Wang / Youxing Jiang / ![]() |
| PubMed Abstract | Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis is maintained through coordinated influx and efflux processes, with NCLX long recognized as the primary Ca²⁺ extruder operating via Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange. Here, ...Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis is maintained through coordinated influx and efflux processes, with NCLX long recognized as the primary Ca²⁺ extruder operating via Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of rat NCLX in cytosolic-facing occluded and open states. The central transmembrane (TM) domain of NCLX comprises ten helices arranged in two inverted, structurally similar halves, with two α-repeats forming a central ion-binding pocket. Peripheral TMs 1 and 6 are loosely associated with the core and likely mediate alternative access to this site. These structural features closely resemble those of NCXs, indicating a conserved ion exchange mechanism. While NCLX retains the canonical Ca²⁺-binding site, it lacks several key Na⁺-binding residues found in NCXs, suggesting broader ion selectivity. Consistently, cell-based Ca²⁺ uptake assays show that NCLX mediates Ca²⁺ exchange using Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺, and potentially protons as counterions. Based on the structural symmetry of NCLX and its bidirectional exchange capability, we propose a matrix-facing model and an alternating-access mechanism in which TMs 1 and 6 undergo sliding motions to enable ion exchange between cytosolic and matrix sides, analogous to NCX. These findings provide a structural and mechanistic framework for understanding NCLX-mediated Ca²⁺ transport in mitochondria. |
External links | Nat Commun / PubMed:42431881 |
| Methods | EM (single particle) |
| Resolution | 3.15 - 3.62 Å |
| Structure data | EMDB-73804, PDB-9z4i: EMDB-73805, PDB-9z4j: |
| Chemicals | ![]() ChemComp-NA: ![]() ChemComp-CA: ![]() ChemComp-ZN: |
| Source |
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Keywords | MEMBRANE PROTEIN / NCLX / exchanger |
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