Premium
Pathophysiological and protective roles of mitochondrial ion channels
Author(s) -
O'Rourke Brian
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7793.2000.00023.x
Subject(s) - ion channel , inner mitochondrial membrane , voltage dependent anion channel , membrane potential , mitochondrial membrane transport protein , biophysics , mitochondrion , mitochondrial permeability transition pore , microbiology and biotechnology , membrane , chemistry , electrochemical gradient , inner membrane , translocase of the inner membrane , bacterial outer membrane , biology , programmed cell death , apoptosis , biochemistry , receptor , escherichia coli , gene
Mitochondria possess a highly permeable outer membrane and an inner membrane that was originally thought to be relatively impermeable to ions to prevent dissipation of the electrochemical gradient for protons. Although recent evidence has revealed a rich diversity of ion channels in both membranes, the purpose of these channels remains incompletely determined. Pores in the outer membrane are fundamental participants in apoptotic cell death, and this process may also involve permeability transition pores on the inner membrane. Novel functions are now being assigned to other ion channels of the inner membrane. Examples include protection against ischaemic injury by mitochondrial K ATP channels and the contribution of inner membrane anion channels to spontaneous mitochondrial oscillations in cardiac myocytes. The central role of mitochondria in both the normal function of the cell and in its demise makes these channels prime targets for future research and drug development.