Cytochrome C Maintains Mitochondrial Transmembrane Potential and Atp Generation after Outer Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization during the Apoptotic Process
Open Access
- 16 April 2001
- journal article
- Published by Rockefeller University Press in The Journal of cell biology
- Vol. 153 (2), 319-328
- https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.153.2.319
Abstract
During apoptosis, cytochrome c is released into the cytosol as the outer membrane of mitochondria becomes permeable, and this acts to trigger caspase activation. The consequences of this release for mitochondrial metabolism are unclear. Using single-cell analysis, we found that when caspase activity is inhibited, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization causes a rapid depolarization of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, which recovers to original levels over the next 30–60 min and is then maintained. After outer membrane permeabilization, mitochondria can use cytoplasmic cytochrome c to maintain mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ATP production. Furthermore, both cytochrome c release and apoptosis proceed normally in cells in which mitochondria have been uncoupled. These studies demonstrate that cytochrome c release does not affect the integrity of the mitochondrial inner membrane and that, in the absence of caspase activation, mitochondrial functions can be maintained after the release of cytochrome c.Keywords
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