Propagation of the apoptotic signal by mitochondrial waves

Generation of mitochondrial signals is believed to be important in the commitment to apoptosis, but the mechanisms coordinating the output of individual mitochondria remain elusive. We show that in cardiac myotubes exposed to apoptotic agents, Ca2+ spikes initiate depolarization of mitochondria in discrete subcellular regions, and these mitochondria initiate slow waves of depolarization and Ca2+ release propagating through the cell. Traveling mitochondrial waves are prevented by Bcl-x(L), involve permeability transition pore (PTP) opening, and yield cytochrome c release, caspase activation and nuclear apoptosis. Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is critical for wave propagation, and mitochondria at the origin of waves take up Ca2+ particularly effectively, providing a mechanism that may underlie selection of the initiation sites. Thus, apoptotic agents transform the mitochondria into an excitable state by sensitizing PTP to Ca2+. Expansion of the local excitation by mitochondrial waves propagating through the whole cell can be especially important in activation of the apoptotic machinery in large cells.