Mitochondrial ion channels as therapeutic targets.
The study of mitochondrial ion channels changed our perception of these double-wrapped organelles from being just the power house of a cell to the guardian of a cell's fate. Mitochondria communicate with the cell through these special channels. Most of the time, the message is encoded by ion flow across the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes. Potassium, sodium, calcium, protons, nucleotides, and proteins traverse the mitochondrial membranes in an exquisitely regulated manner to control a myriad of processes, from respiration and mitochondrial morphology to cell proliferation and cell death. This review is an update on both well established and putative mitochondrial channels regarding their composition, function, regulation, and therapeutic potential.
Peixoto
Pablo M
PM
New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA.
Ryu
Shin-Young
SY
Kinnally
Kathleen W
KW
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D050994:Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels / Q000378:metabolism
D015220:Calcium Channels; D007473:Ion Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels; D050994:Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels