Mitochondrial permeability transition in Ca2+-dependent apoptosis and necrosis

A variety of stimuli utilize an increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration as a second messenger to transmit signals, through Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum or opening of plasma membrane Ca2+ channels. Mitochondria contribute to the tight spatiotemporal control of this process by accumulating Ca2+, thus shaping the return of cytosolic Ca2+ to resting levels. The rise of mitochondrial matrix free Ca2+ concentration stimulates oxidative metabolism; yet, in the presence of a variety of sensitizing factors of pathophysiological relevance, the matrix Ca2+ increase can also lead to opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP), a high conductance inner membrane channel. While transient openings may serve the purpose of providing a fast Ca2+ release mechanism, persistent PTP opening is followed by deregulated release of matrix Ca2+, termination of oxidative phosphorylation, matrix swelling with inner membrane unfolding and eventually outer membrane rupture with release of apoptogenic proteins and cell death. Thus, a rise in mitochondria! Ca2+ can convey both apoptotic and necrotic death signals by inducing opening of the PTP. Understanding the signalling networks that govern changes in mitochondrial free Ca2+ concentration, their interplay with Ca2+ signalling in other subcellular compartments, and regulation of PTP has important implications in the fine comprehension of the main biological routines of the cell and in disease pathogenesis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.