Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Neuroglobin’s Neuroprotection

Figure 1

Potential mitochondrial mechanisms of Ngb neuroprotection. Ngb may be neuroprotective by preserving mitochondrial ATP production and scavenging ROS. Ngb may bind to VDAC, inhibit mPTP opening after OGD, and then block Cyt c release from mitochondria and the subsequent apoptosis. Ferrous Ngb can convert ferric Cyt c to ferrous Cyt c and thus prevent ferric Cyt c-induced apoptosis initiation. Ngb may ameliorate injury-induced calcium influx, therefore inhibiting calcium-induced amplification of Cyt c release and apoptosis. Ngb may also inhibit apoptosis by activating p-Akt. Finally, Ngb might have some effect in mitochondria transportation. OM: mitochondria outer membrane and IM: mitochondria inner membrane.