Inhibition of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition for Cytoprotection: Direct versus Indirect Mechanisms
Figure 1
Scheme of mitochondrial alterations following mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP). In this model, in response to the opening of the permeability transition pore (PTPC; green and red ellipses, corresponding to ANT and VDAC resp.), swollen mitochondria exhibit an increase in volume, a more translucide matrix with less cristae and a permeabilized outer membrane. Cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) (blue circles and yellow squares), normally confined into the intermembrane space, are released trough ruptures in the outer membrane. The transmembrane inner potential (ΔΨm) is dissipated in response to the arrest of the function of the respiratory complexes (I to V), which contributes to an inhibition of ATP biosynthesis. Altogether, these alterations are lethal, irreversible and lead to cell death.
