2. Mitochondrial Membrane Structure and Organization
2.1. Mitochondrial Membrane Composition
The complex construction of the mitochondrial membranes reflects their functional specialization. Both the OMM and IMM possess transport mechanisms for proteins and metabolites that regulate the structural organization of mitochondria. The OMM is primarily responsible for allocating proteins for specific functions of mitochondria (i.e., protein translocation, mitochondrial quality control, among others) through the regulation of mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics
[8]. In contrast to the OMM, the IMM has a more complex structural organization. It is divided into the inner boundary membrane, a part of the IMM adjacent to the OMM, and the cristae membrane, which forms invaginations projecting into the mitochondrial matrix. Both subdomains communicate through narrow and tubular membrane segments called cristae junctions (CJs), which attach the inner boundary and cristae membranes
[9] (
Figure 1). Due to heterogeneity in protein composition, membrane structural dynamics, and phospholipid biogenesis, these two membrane domains are morphologically and functionally distinct
[9]. The inner boundary membrane, which runs parallel to the OMM, is considered a secondary envelope structure containing protein import machinery close to those present in the OMM, thereby facilitating protein transport into the matrix. The cristae membrane possesses a distinctive fold-like structure that significantly expands its surface area. This topographical feature enables the efficient organization of numerous protein complexes crucial for energy generation through the electron transport chain (ETC) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)
[10].
Figure 1.
Structure of mitochondria (
see text for details
).
Mitochondria are a major source of ROS with levels 5–10 times higher than those in the cytosol. These ROS are generated from multiple sites within mitochondria, including ETC complexes, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, and monoamine oxidase, among others. Under normal physiological conditions, mitochondria possess a robust antioxidant defense system that effectively counteracts mtROS. This antioxidant system comprises several enzymes and metabolites, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, ascorbate, and the thioredoxin system, working in concert to prevent mtROS accumulation
[11][12]. Despite being associated with cellular damage when present in excess, ROS also have essential biological functions under normal conditions. They serve as secondary messengers in various signaling pathways within the cell, contributing to the regulation of crucial processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, immunity, autophagy, and apoptosis. Moreover, ROS can modulate the activity of specific proteins and influence gene expression, acting as signaling molecules that ensure proper cell cycle regulation
[13][14][15]. By precisely balancing the production and scavenging of ROS, cells can harness their signaling properties while preventing oxidative stress. This delicate equilibrium between ROS generation and the antioxidant defense system is vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis and ensuring the overall health and functionality of the cell.
The lipid composition of mitochondrial membranes is similar to that of other membranes, including the plasma membrane. They consist of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid. In addition, mitochondrial membranes also contain phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin, which are exclusively located in the mitochondria
[16]. Alterations in the phospholipid composition can affect mitochondrial membrane integrity, permeability, and fluidity, hence, the stability and activity of membrane-associated proteins. Thus, the structure, dynamics, and function of mitochondrial membranes depend on the interaction of protein complexes with membrane lipids
[16].
The development of signaling cascades involving mitochondrial membrane components is impacted by non-bilayer-forming phospholipids, such as cardiolipin
[17]. As previously noted, cardiolipin is widely recognized as the distinctive phospholipid of mitochondrial membranes, with the two membranes displaying significant variations in cardiolipin concentration. Cardiolipin is found at a higher concentration in the IMM, constituting over 15% of the membrane phospholipids. In contrast, the proportion of cardiolipin in the OMM is estimated to be around 2–5% of the total lipids
[18][19][20][21]. The unique structure of cardiolipin, a diphosphatidylglycerol combined with four acyl chains, results in a particular conical arrangement capable of mediating multiple interactions. Cardiolipin interaction with IMM proteins, enzymes, and carriers is essential for their stabilization and structural preservation
[22][23][24]. Cardiolipin is actively involved in ETC integrity and activity, thus promoting the normal assembly and stabilization of mitochondrial ETC supercomplexes within the IMM
[25][26]. Electrophoretic
[27][28], kinetic
[29], and structural
[30] studies provide strong evidence that cardiolipin is critical to the structural organization, stability, and function of mitochondrial ETC (or respiratory) supercomplexes
[31]. Additionally, cardiolipin helps promote mitochondrial health through mitochondrial fusion activity. The lipid has been demonstrated to promote the binding of optic atrophy 1 protein (OPA1) between distinct mitochondria
[32].
Cristae structure and mitochondrial function are interconnected, as changes in cristae morphology can impact the stability of ETC complexes located within the IMM
[33]. Mitochondria undergo internal structural reorganization by modifying cristae morphology
[34] through a process known as “cristae remodeling”. The morphology of cristae can be characterized by the curvature of two distinct regions: the CJs, which are slender tubular structures that link the cristae to the inner boundary membrane, and the cristae lumen. Cristae remodeling involves a transition towards a membrane curvature (positively inclined), leading to the widening of the cristae. The morphological changes destabilize ETC complexes and reduce OXPHOS efficiency, proving that cristae shape is a critical morphological component controlling mitochondrial functions, such as respiration and cell death
[35].
CJs prevent the release of cytochrome c from the inner membrane space, which impairs cell death signaling. However, the proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family can play a detrimental role in releasing cytochrome c by widening the CJs and inverting the curvature of cristae
[36][37]. Therefore, variations in cristae structure affect mitochondrial bioenergetics. Indeed, cristae reshaping is associated with changes in the energetic state of the cell, mediating either cell survival or death signaling
[38][39][40][41][42]. The regulation of mitochondrial cristae dynamics and formation is governed by OPA1, the mitochondrial contact site, and the cristae organizing system (MICOS)
[43]. The following sections will focus on the role of OPA1 and MICOS in regulating the IMM structure.
3. Ionic Regulators of Mitochondrial Matrix Volume
Under physiological conditions, ion transport (i.e., Na
+, K
+, Mg
2+, H
+, and Ca
2+) through the IMM regulates mitochondrial matrix volume
[44][45][46]. Slight changes in matrix volume promote mitochondrial activity and stimulate metabolism. Indeed, increases in matrix volume have been shown to stimulate fatty acid oxidation as well as ETC and OXPHOS. Moreover, mitochondrial swelling induces gluconeogenesis by stimulating pyruvate carboxylase
[47][48]. Although the exact mechanisms for these effects of mitochondrial swelling are still being elucidated, IMM structural and functional remodeling could be involved in a response against oxidative stress. Hence, numerous oxidative stress-related human disorders, such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, are influenced by mitochondrial swelling. Among ions, K
+ and Ca
2+ have been identified as the primary culprits of mitochondria matrix volume changes
[45][49]. To keep in line with this, multiple influx and efflux mechanisms are involved in facilitating the transport of K
+ and Ca
2+ ions across the IMM (
Figure 2).
Figure 2. Mechanisms involved in maintaining ion homeostasis, structural maintenance, and matrix volume within the mitochondria. A graphical representation that illustrates the primary influx and efflux channels of Ca2+ and K+, which are responsible for regulating the volume, as well as the structural constituents that govern the morphology of cardiac mitochondria. The primary mechanisms responsible for Ca2+ influx are the MCU, RaM, mRyR, and uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP2/3). The maintenance of Ca2+ and ion homeostasis in the matrix is a crucial aspect, wherein the Ca2+ efflux mechanisms such as mitochondrial mNCE, mHCE, and mPTP play a significant role. The transportation of K+ holds equal significance for the metabolism and functioning of mitochondria. Alterations in the concentration of K+ exhibit a direct correlation with variations in the volume of the mitochondrial matrix. The mechanisms responsible for K+ influx comprise the mBKCa, mKATP, mSKCa, mKv7.4, and mSlo2. Conversely, the K+ efflux mechanisms are restricted to the KHE. The function of OPA1 is the fusion of IMM and its regulatory role in cristae morphogenesis. In the heart, five isoforms of OPA1 exist that can be characterized as either L-OPA1 to S-OPA1. The various isoforms of OPA1 have demonstrated the capacity to oligomerize and uphold stringent CJs. A protein complex known as MICOS facilitates preserving a stable state in mitochondrial cristae junctions. In addition to its membrane bending capabilities, MICOS exhibits interactions with proteins situated in the OMM, including the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex, the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM), and the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein. Furthermore, the mitochondrial Na+/H+ exchanger (mNHE) has been implicated in the maintenance of ion homeostasis within mitochondria. Also, the invaginations of CJs are generated by dimeric FOF1-ATP synthase, where CJ structures serve as the site for ETC complexes, ANT, and phosphate carrier (PiC), which utilize the pH gradient to facilitate the process of ATP synthesis.
3.1. Transport Mechanisms for Mitochondrial K
+
Mitochondrial physiological swelling is changes in matrix volume that help mediate mitochondrial function and structure. The regulation of mitochondrial matrix volume is a crucial process involving transporting K
+ into and out of the matrix. Mitochondrial K
+ transport is a complex and dynamic process that affects various cellular activities, such as bioenergetics, Ca
2+ regulation, and ROS formation
[50]. Therefore, K
+ transport could be a target to reduce mitochondrial dysfunction after cardiac IR injury.
The identification of molecules that selectively target K
+ channels and the lack of information on the significance of each channel to mitochondrial function constitute important obstacles in the development of mitochondrial K
+ therapeutics. One K
+ efflux and five K
+ influx channels have been identified within the IMM of cardiac mitochondria (
reviewed in [51]).
3.2. Mitochondrial Ca
2+
Transport Mechanisms
3.2.1. Mitochondrial Ca2+ Influx Mechanisms
The cardiac muscle mitochondria harbor three distinct pathways for the influx of Ca
2+, namely, the mitochondrial Ca
2+ uniporter (MCU), rapid mode of Ca
2+ uptake (RaM), and mitochondrial ryanodine receptor (mRyR). Several genetic and pharmacological studies
[52][53][54] have established that the MCU is the primary channel for Ca
2+ influx in cardiac mitochondria. The molecular constitution of the MCU complex described in 2011 comprises three key components, namely, the MCU, mitochondrial Ca
2+ uptake 1–2 (MICU1-2), and essential MCU regulators (EMRE)
[55][56][57]. The uptake of Ca
2+ through the MCU is significantly dependent on the ΔΨ
m and is inhibited by Mg
2+. The MICU subunits play a role in gatekeeping the MCU complex, regulating Ca
2+ entry to prevent mitochondrial Ca
2+ overload
[58][59]. Studies performed with HEK293T cells recently found a direct interaction between the MCU complex and ETC complex I that helps mediate energy levels when complex I is impaired
[60]. Besides regulating bioenergetic homeostasis through complex I, the MCU modulates mitochondrial volume through matrix Ca
2+ accumulation. Indeed, impaired matrix Ca
2+ accumulation was observed in cardiac mitochondria of MCU knockout mice that could not demonstrate mPTP opening
[61]. Furthermore, this study also showed changes in Ca
2+-induced mitochondrial swelling in liver, brain, and heart mitochondria that occurred only in the presence of the MCU, further confirming the critical role of MCU in mitochondrial volume regulation and that alternative Ca
2+ influx channels only play a small role in regulating this parameter.
Pharmacological interventions targeting the MCU have produced favorable cardioprotective outcomes after IR injury. Indeed, the administration of Ru360, a selective inhibitor of the MCU, to rats subjected to an in vivo coronary artery ligation had a protective effect on cardiac and mitochondrial functionality
[62]. A similar study conducted on mice involving coronary artery ligation
[63] provides additional evidence that the administration of Ru360 reduces the extent of myocardial infarction and preserves the integrity and functionality of mitochondria following IR injury. Currently, the most significant challenges for available MCU-targeting products are their permeability in the cellular membrane and pharmacological specificity
[64]. As a result, no clinical studies for these ruthenium compounds have been conducted.
3.2.2. Mechanisms for Mitochondrial Ca2+ Efflux
Mitochondria play a critical role in regulating intracellular Ca
2+ levels through several transport systems. One of them is the mitochondrial Na
+/Ca
2+ exchanger (mNCE, also denoted as NCLX or mNCX), an electrogenic transporter that exchanges three cytosolic Na
+ for one mitochondrial Ca
2+ [65][66]. The mNCE is an important mediator of Ca
2+ signaling in cardiac cells, and its dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IR injury. The extrusion of mitochondrial Ca
2+ during physiological stimulations is limited by mNCE levels, while LETM1 levels are deemed insignificant
[67]. For cardiac mitochondria, the mNCE, rather than the mCHE, may be the primary route for mitochondrial Ca
2+ efflux
[68]. The mNCE protein is a crucial cellular component, and its study offers a valuable understanding of the intricate connections between Ca
2+ and redox signaling mechanisms
[69]. Upregulation of mNCE provides protection against myocardial IR injury and ischemic heart failure
[70]. The same study also demonstrated that the abolition of mNCE leads to left ventricular remodeling, heart failure, and death. These findings suggest that mNCE is essential for normal cardiac function. Although the targeting (activating) of mitochondrial Ca
2+ efflux channels for IR injury shows therapeutic potential, there is a lack of pharmacological agents available for this purpose.
Therefore, studies indicate that preventing excessive Ca
2+ uptake into the mitochondria via MCU inhibition contributes to preserving mitochondrial function and cellular viability. Mitochondrial targeting Ca
2+ channel blockers such as ruthenium red products (Ru360 and Ru265) are promising for maintaining cardiac mitochondrial function during Ca
2+ overload conditions
[71][72]. However, MCU-targeting products are limited due to their membrane permeability properties and pharmacological specificity
[64]. In contrast, increasing mitochondrial Ca
2+ efflux could be beneficial for preventing mitochondrial injury in pathological conditions
[70]. In this line of thought, developing drugs to increase mNCE activity could be promising for treating pathological conditions associated with mitochondrial Ca
2+ overload.
4. mPTP: A Non-Selective Channel Involved in Mitochondrial Swelling
The mitochondria play a central role in mediating cell death through several pathways, such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mPTP-mediated necrosis
[73][74]. The occurrence of mPTP-mediated necrosis is attributed to a significant disruption in mitochondrial function in response to energy or oxidative stress. This disruption involves insufficient ATP production, excessive ROS generation, and Ca
2+ overload. These conditions attributed to the activation of mPTP lead to cell death. Various factors such as P
i, ADP/ATP, pH fluctuations, Mg
2+, and the activation of CypD and Bax/Bak potentially modulate the activity of mPTP
[75][76]. The mPTP has been shown to work in both low-conductance (300 pS, reversible) and high-conductance (1.3 nS, irreversible) modes, both of which are reported to contribute to the dissipation of ΔΨ
m [77]. Also, the opening of mPTP results in substantial swelling, leading to OMM rupture and an increase in ROS production
[78]. All factors that contribute to mPTP opening, including mitochondrial Ca
2+ overload, ROS accumulation, ATP depletion, high Pi, and ΔΨm loss are present at reperfusion after cardiac ischemia. Therefore, mPTP opening occurs in the reperfused heart and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiac IR (
reviewed in [79][80]).
Numerous experimental and computational approaches have been employed to study the kinetics of mPTP activation and the shift from a low- to high-conductance state
[81][82][83][84]. The utilization of these experimental approaches offers valuable insights into ion homeostasis, facilitating our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction through swelling. Nevertheless, these methodologies have been unsuccessful in identifying the molecular composition of the mPTP. Over the years, there has been a growing interest in investigating mitochondria under both physiological and various pathological conditions (
Figure 3A). However, it is noteworthy that the number of studies focusing on the mPTP has shown a declining trend since 2015 (
Figure 3B). This decrease in research activity can be attributed to the longstanding challenge of identifying the precise molecular identity and regulatory pathways of the mPTP, which has remained elusive despite extensive research efforts since the 1980s. This lack of clarity has led to a waning interest in this area of study. Recent studies have suggested the possibility of different mPTP forms being formed by ANT or F
OF
1-ATP synthase, and a potential interaction between these proteins may contribute to their regulatory roles for each other. However, these findings require further investigation and validation. The limited understanding of the molecular structure of the mPTP has hindered the development of new pharmacological compounds targeting this pore. As such, there is a pressing need for additional research to unravel the complexities of the mPTP and identify potential therapeutic targets for drug development. This section discusses the status of current knowledge on the identity of the mPTP and its function in cardiac IR injury.
Figure 3. Publication history related to mitochondria and mPTP research. (
A) Mitochondrial research conducted over time, indicating a steady increase in the number of studies. (
B) A decline of approximately eight years in mPTP research and mPTP-derived therapeutic interventions. The data was obtained from PubMed (
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (accessed on 5 June 2023)).
Notably, despite the lack of knowledge regarding the molecular identity of the mPTP, there is a consensus among scholars that CypD serves as an important protein regulator of the mitochondrial pore
[85][86][87]. Various treatments have been developed to prevent cardiac IR damage by targeting CypD. These include cyclosporin A (CsA) and sanglifehrin A.
[88][89]. CsA binds to CypD, a key regulator of mPTP, and prevents its interaction with other mPTP components
[90]. By inhibiting mPTP opening, CsA helps maintain mitochondrial integrity, preserves ATP production, and reduces cell death. Like CsA, sanglifehrin A is an immunosuppressant that prevents mPTP-mediated mitochondrial swelling and effectively preserves mitochondrial function. However, unlike CsA, sanglifehrin A prevents CypD from interacting with ANT and phosphate carriers while blocking its PPIase activity
[91]. Additionally, sanglifehrin A exhibits greater selectivity and a higher affinity for CypD, making it a potentially superior therapeutic agent for targeting mPTP opening
[91].
Initially, several studies reported cardioprotective effects of CsA on rodent and rabbit models
[92][93][94]. A meta-analysis of twenty in vivo experimental trials in reperfused myocardial infarction animal models (four species) found that CsA reduced infarct size, despite substantial variability in effect across studies. However, CsA did not affect infarct size in pig hearts raising concerns regarding the possible cardioprotective benefits of CsA in humans
[95]. In support of this contention, a clinical study from 2011 to 2014 indicated that intravenous CsA did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention at one year of treatment, nor did it prevent adverse left ventricular remodeling
[96]. Overall, owing to the failure of clinical studies to support a cardioprotective effect and to provide data that shows targeting of CypD, there are doubts on whether CypD is the optimum target for creating novel drugs (
reviewed in [85]).
Recent studies suggest that a Ca
2+-induced CsA-sensitive membrane depolarization independent of permeabilization may be linked to the low-conductance mode of mPTP
[97][98]. The component responsible for this depolarization does not appear to be part of the molecular structure of mPTP but would be a gating precursor to the high-conductance mPTP, allowing it to open. This idea seems reasonable since CypD knockout mitochondria can still open mPTP, although at greater Ca
2+ concentrations
[99][100]. CypD could interact with other proteins to generate the low-conductance mPTP, which is independent of the high-conductance state. However, evidence is lacking in this regard.
The F
1F
0-ATP synthase
[101][102], the phosphate carrier
[103], and the ANT
[100][104] have been suggested as probable components of the mPTP. Notably, all have been reported to interact with CypD. However, genetic ablation of the phosphate carrier indicates that it is a non-essential component of the mPTP
[105][106]. Currently, the mPTP is hypothesized to be either two (or more) separate pores containing different proteins (a multiple pore hypothesis) or a complex of numerous proteins that produce the high-conductance pore (
Figure 4)
[107][108][109]. Most of these investigations have focused on two proteins, ANT and FOF1-ATP synthase (F-ATP synthase), that regulate two pores, A-MPTP and F-mPTP, respectively
[109][110]. Although both pores appear necessary for mPTP function, it is critical to determine whether ANT and F
OF
1-ATP synthase operate in concert to produce the functional mPTP.
Figure 4. mPTP-mediated matrix swelling and potential mPTP models. (A) The opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) triggers mitochondrial swelling, leading to various consequences for mitochondrial function and cell survival, depending on the degree of swelling. (B) Although the molecular identification of the mPTP remains unclear, it is widely accepted that CypD acts as a protein regulator of the mPTP. Most studies have focused on a pair of proteins known as ANT and FOF1-ATP synthase (F-ATP synthase). The formation of the mPTP may be attributed to the synergistic or independent functioning of ANT and FOF1-ATP synthase. However, the participation of both entities is essential. It can be proposed that mPTP may be formed by one of the proteins or complexes, namely, ANT, FOF1-ATP synthase, FOF1-ATP synthase dimer/tetramer, or the ATP synthasome.
5. The Role of Cytoskeletal Proteins in Mitochondrial Swelling
The sarcomere, the fundamental contractile unit of cardiomyocytes, is intricately connected to both the nucleus and mitochondria. Within the cytoskeleton, actin filaments and microtubules play essential roles in interacting with mitochondria and regulating their positioning, movement, and fission–fusion events. While the exact mechanisms of crosstalk between cytoskeletal proteins and mitochondria are still under investigation (
reviewed in [111][112][113][114]), it is evident that cytoskeletal proteins, such as actin and tubulin, may significantly contribute to the regulation of mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and swelling (
reviewed in [115][116][117][118]). Recent studies have indicated that actin filaments and associated proteins can influence mitochondrial swelling. Actin polymerization enhances ER-mitochondrial interaction, leading to increased mitochondrial Ca
2+ levels through more efficient Ca
2+ flow from the ER to mitochondria
[119] potentially triggering mitochondrial swelling. Moreover, disrupting F-actin has been found to reduce DRP1 translocation to mitochondria, attenuating fission and indicating a close relationship between the actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial fission
[120]. Actin and myosin II further stimulate the recruitment of Drp1 by the OMM, where it oligomerizes and participates in mitochondrial fission. Additionally, the β-tubulin isotype II has been observed to colocalize with proteins such as VDAC, ANT, and mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK)
[121][122], suggesting its potential role in maintaining mitochondrial physiology, including the regulation of mPTP and matrix volume changes via ANT, a primary regulator of mPTP. Similarly, actin filaments may also interact with proteins associated with mPTP, a key regulator of mitochondrial swelling. Microtubules serve as tracks for mitochondrial movement within the cell, helping to maintain their distribution. Disruption of microtubules can lead to altered mitochondrial dynamics and swelling
[123]. Thus, cytoskeletal proteins indirectly play a role in regulating changes in the matrix volume of mitochondria due to their relationship with mitochondrial dynamics and shape. Nonetheless, the precise roles of cytoskeletal proteins in regulating the matrix volume of mitochondria in response to physiological and pathological stimuli necessitate further research for a comprehensive understanding. Continued investigation in this area promises to shed light on the intricate interplay between the cytoskeleton and mitochondrial function, which may hold valuable insights into cardiac health and disease.