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.     

Mitochondrial ion channels as targets for cardioprotection

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the heart failure (HF) that often result remain the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. As such, new therapeutic targets need to be discovered to protect the myocardium against acute ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in order to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size, preserve left ventricular function and prevent the onset of HF. Mitochondrial dysfunction during acute I/R injury is a critical determinant of cell death following AMI, and therefore, ion channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which are known to influence cell death and survival, provide potential therapeutic targets for cardioprotection. In this article, we review the role of mitochondrial ion channels, which are known to modulate susceptibility to acute myocardial I/R injury, and we explore their potential roles as therapeutic targets for reducing MI size and preventing HF following AMI.     

Mitochondrial calcium channels

Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling plays an important role in energy production and various cellular signaling processes. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake is regulated by the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU), at least one non-MCU Ca²⁺ channel and possibly a mitochondrial ryanodine receptor. Two distinct mechanisms mediate Ca²⁺ outward transport, the Na⁺-dependent (mNCX) and the Na⁺-independent Ca²⁺ efflux. In recent years we gained more insight into the regulation and function of these different Ca²⁺ transport mechanisms. However, the precise physiological role and the molecular structure of all mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transporters and channels still has to be determined.     

Mechanosensitive ion channels

The article concentrates on the concepts of mechanosensitive ion channels that are present in practically all cells of an organism. Considered are kinetic scheme and activation principles of mechanic-sensitive ion channels. The forces affecting those channels are discussed in detail. The qualities of the channels in lipid monolayer, bilayer and real cell membrane are under consideration. Discussed are various models that analyze possibilities of channel opening depending on the membrane tension. Under discussion are the data received from studying single channels, currents in whole-cell configuration and cloned channels built into bilayer, liposomes and membrane blebs. Problems of transmitting mechanic energy to the channel through the bilayer and through the cytoskeleton are investigated. Inhibitors and activators of mechanosensitive ion channels are mentioned and their effects are considered. The functional classification of mechanosensitive ion channels is given. Described are cation SACs, potassium SACs, Ca(2+)-sensitive and Ca(2+)-insensitive SACs, anion SACs, nonselective SACs and SICs. It is proved that mechanosensitive ion channels can produce considerable currents enough to change the cell electrogenesis.     

Mitochondrial potassium and chloride channels

Channels selective for potassium or chloride ions are present in inner mitochondrial membranes. They probably play an important role in mitochondrial events such as the formation of delta pH and regulation of mitochondrial volume changes. Mitochondrial potassium and chloride channels could also be the targets for pharmacologically active compounds such as potassium channel openers and antidiabetic sulfonylureas. This review describes the properties, pharmacology, and current observations concerning the functional role of mitochondrial potassium and chloride channels.     

Glial ion channels.

It now appears that most of the ion channels discovered in glia are similar or identical to their neuronal equivalents. Recent studies show that glial cells can sense and respond to neuronal signals and that neurons may influence both the development and maintenance of ion channel expression of certain glial cells. Although they lack excitability, glia are probably active participants in brain function.     

Engineering light-gated ion channels

Ion channels are gated by a variety of stimuli, including ligands, voltage, membrane tension, temperature, and even light. Natural gates can be altered and augmented using synthetic chemistry and molecular biology to develop channels with completely new functional properties. Light-sensitive channels are particularly attractive because optical manipulation offers a high degree of spatial and temporal control. Over the last few decades, several channels have been successfully rendered responsive to light, including the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, gramicidin A, a voltage-gated potassium channel, an ionotropic glutamate receptor, alpha-hemolysin, and a mechanosensitive channel. Very recently, naturally occurring light-gated cation channels have been discovered. This review covers the molecular principles that guide the engineering of light-gated ion channels for applications in biology and medicine.     

Mitochondrial regulation of store-operated CRAC channels

In eukaryotic cells, one major route for Ca(2+) influx is through store-operated CRAC channels, which are activated following a fall in Ca(2+) content within the endoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondria are key regulators of this ubiquitous Ca(2+) influx pathway. Respiring mitochondria rapidly take up some of the Ca(2+) released from the stores, resulting in more extensive store depletion and thus robust activation of CRAC channels. As CRAC channels open, the ensuing rise in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) feeds back to inactivate the channels. By buffering some of the incoming Ca(2+) mitochondria reduce Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of the CRAC channels, resulting in more prolonged Ca(2+) influx. However, mitochondria can release Ca(2+) close to the endoplasmic reticulum, accelerating store refilling and thus promoting deactivation of the CRAC channels. Mitochondria thus regulate all major transitions in CRAC channel gating, revealing remarkable versatility in how this organelle impacts upon Ca(2+) influx. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondria also control CRAC channels through mechanisms that are independent of their Ca(2+)-buffering actions and ability to generate ATP. Furthermore, pyruvic acid, a key intermediary metabolite and precursor substrate for the Krebs cycle, reduces the extent of Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of CRAC channels. Hence mitochondrial metabolism impacts upon Ca(2+) influx through CRAC channels and thus on a range of key downstream cellular responses.