| Autor: |
Endlicher R; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic., Drahota Z; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.; Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 00 Prague, Czech Republic., Štefková K; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic., Červinková Z; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic., Kučera O; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. |
| Abstrakt: |
The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) is a calcium-dependent, ion non-selective membrane pore with a wide range of functions. Although the MPTP has been studied for more than 50 years, its molecular structure remains unclear. Short-term (reversible) opening of the MPTP protects cells from oxidative damage and enables the efflux of Ca 2+ ions from the mitochondrial matrix and cell signaling. However, long-term (irreversible) opening induces processes leading to cell death. Ca 2+ ions, reactive oxygen species, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential regulate pore opening. The sensitivity of the pore to Ca 2+ ions changes as an organism ages, and MPTP opening plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Most studies of the MPTP have focused on elucidating its molecular structure. However, understanding the mechanisms that will inhibit the MPTP may improve the treatment of diseases associated with its opening. To evaluate the functional state of the MPTP and its inhibitors, it is therefore necessary to use appropriate methods that provide reproducible results across laboratories. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the function and regulation of the MPTP. The latter part of the review introduces two optimized methods for evaluating the functional state of the pore under standardized conditions. |
