Mitochondrial membrane potentials measured with microelectrodes: probable ionic basis

An update of the chemiosmotic theory as suggested by possible proton currents inside the coupling membrane

Understanding how biological systems convert and store energy is a primary purpose of basic research. However, despite Mitchell's chemiosmotic theory, we are far from the complete description of basic processes such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and photosynthesis. After more than half a century, the chemiosmotic theory may need updating, thanks to the latest structural data on respiratory chain complexes. In particular, up-to date technologies, such as those using fluorescence indicators following proton displacements, have shown that proton translocation is lateral rather than transversal with respect to the coupling membrane. Furthermore, the definition of the physical species involved in the transfer (proton, hydroxonium ion or proton currents) is still an unresolved issue, even though the latest acquisitions support the idea that protonic currents, difficult to measure, are involved. Moreover, F_oF₁-ATP synthase ubiquitous motor enzyme has the peculiarity (unlike most enzymes) of affecting the thermodynamic equilibrium of ATP synthesis. It seems that the concept of diffusion of the proton charge expressed more than two centuries ago by Theodor von Grotthuss is to be taken into consideration to resolve these issues. All these uncertainties remind us that also in biology it is necessary to consider the Heisenberg indeterminacy principle, which sets limits to analytical questions.

Analysis of molecular mechanisms of ATP synthesis from the standpoint of the principle of electrical neutrality

Theories of biological energy coupling in oxidative phosphorylation (OX PHOS) and photophosphorylation (PHOTO PHOS) are reviewed and applied to ATP synthesis by an experimental system containing purified ATP synthase reconstituted into liposomes. The theories are critically evaluated from the standpoint of the principle of electrical neutrality. It is shown that the obligatory requirement to maintain overall electroneutrality of bulk aqueous phases imposes strong constraints on possible theories of energy coupling and molecular mechanisms of ATP synthesis. Mitchell's chemiosmotic theory is found to violate the electroneutrality of bulk aqueous phases and is shown to be untenable on these grounds. Purely electroneutral mechanisms or mechanisms where the anion/countercation gradient is dissipated or simply flows through the lipid bilayer are also shown to be inadequate. A dynamically electrogenic but overall electroneutral mode of ion transport postulated by Nath's torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis is shown to be consistent both with the experimental findings and the principle of electrical neutrality. It is concluded that the ATP synthase functions as a proton-dicarboxylic acid anion cotransporter in OX PHOS or PHOTO PHOS. A logical chemical explanation for the selection of dicarboxylic acids as intermediates in OX PHOS and PHOTO PHOS is suggested based on the pioneering classical thermodynamic work of Christensen, Izatt, and Hansen. The nonequilibrium thermodynamic consequences for theories in which the protons originate from water vis-a-vis weak organic acids are compared and contrasted, and several new mechanistic and thermodynamic insights into biological energy transduction by ATP synthase are offered. These considerations make the new theory of energy coupling more complete, and lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of ATP synthesis.

Hypothesis of lipid-phase-continuity proton transfer for aerobic ATP synthesis

The basic processes harvesting chemical energy for life are driven by proton (H(+)) movements. These are accomplished by the mitochondrial redox complex V, integral membrane supramolecular aggregates, whose structure has recently been described by advanced studies. These did not identify classical aqueous pores. It was proposed that H(+) transfer for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) does not occur between aqueous sources and sinks, where an energy barrier would be insurmountable. This suggests a novel hypothesis for the proton transfer. A lipid-phase-continuity H(+) transfer is proposed in which H(+) are always bound to phospholipid heads and cardiolipin, according to Mitchell's hypothesis of asymmetric vectorial H(+) diffusion. A phase separation is proposed among the proton flow, following an intramembrane pathway, and the ATP synthesis, occurring in the aqueous phase. This view reminiscent of Grotthus mechanism would better account for the distance among the Fo and F1 moieties of FoF1-ATP synthase, for its mechanical coupling, as well as the necessity of a lipid membrane. A unique active role for lipids in the evolution of life can be envisaged. Interestingly, this view would also be consistent with the evidence of an OXPHOS outside mitochondria also found in non-vesicular membranes, housing the redox complexes.

The membrane potential of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells microelectrode measurements and their critical evaluation

Intracellular potentials were measured, using a piezoelectric electromechanical transducer to impale Ehrlich ascites tumor cells with capillary microelectrodes. In sodium Ringer's, the potential immediately after the penetration was -24±7 mV, and decayed to a stable value of about -8 mV within a few msec. The peak potentials disappeared in potassium Ringer's and reappeared immediately after resuspension in sodium. Ringer's, whereas the stable potentials were only slightly influenced by the change of medium. The peak potential is in good agreement with the Nernst potential for chloride. This is also the case when cell sodium and potassium have been changed by addition of ouabain. It is concluded that the peak potentials represent the membrane potential of the unperturbed cell, and that chloride is in electrochemical equilibrium across the cell membrane.The membrane potential of about -11 mV previously reported corresponds to the stable potential in this study, and is considered as a junction potential between damaged cells and their environment. Similar potential differences were recorded between a homogenate of cells and Ringer's.The apparent membrane resistance of Ehrlich cells was about 70 Ωcm(2). This is two orders of magnitude less than the value calculated from(36)Cl fluxes, and may, in part, represent a leak in the cell membrane.For comparison, the influence of an eventual leak on measurements in red cells and mitochondria is discussed.

Beyond the chemiosmotic theory: analysis of key fundamental aspects of energy coupling in oxidative phosphorylation in the light of a torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis--invited review part 1

In Part 1 of this invited article, we consider the fundamental aspects of energy coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The central concepts of the chemiosmotic theory are re-examined and the major problems with its experimental verification are analyzed and reassessed from first principles. Several of its assumptions and interpretations (with regard, for instance, to consideration of the membrane as an inert barrier, the occurrence of energy transduction at thermodynamic equilibrium, the completely delocalized nature of the protonmotive force, and the notion of indirect coupling) are shown to be questionable. Important biological implications of this analysis for molecular mechanisms of biological energy transduction are enumerated. A fresh molecular mechanism of the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation by classical weak acid anion uncouplers and an adequate explanation for the existence of uncoupler-resistant mutants (which until now has remained a mystery) has been proposed based on novel insights arising from a new torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis.

Beyond the chemiosmotic theory: analysis of key fundamental aspects of energy coupling in oxidative phosphorylation in the light of a torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis--invited review part 2

The core of this second article shows how logical errors and inconsistencies in previous theories of energy coupling in oxidative phosphorylation are overcome by use of a torsional mechanism and the unified theory of ATP synthesis/hydrolysis. The torsional mechanism is shown to satisfy the pioneering and verified features of previous mechanisms. A considerable amount of data is identified that is incompatible with older theories but is now explained in a logically consistent and unified way. Key deficiencies in older theories are pinpointed and their resolution elucidated. Finally, major differences between old and new approaches are tabulated. The new theory now provides the elusive details of energy coupling and transduction, and allows several novel and experimentally verifiable predictions to be made and a considerable number of applications in nanotechnology, energy conversion, systems biology, and in health and disease are foreseen.

Electrophysiology clarifies the megariddles of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

After a brief review of the early history of mitochondrial electrophysiology, the contribution of this approach to the study of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is recapitulated. It has for example provided evidence for a dimeric nature of the MPT pore, allowed the distinction between two levels of control of its activity, and underscored the relevance of redox events for the phenomenon. Single-channel recording provides a means to finally solve the riddle of the biochemical entity underlying it by comparing the characteristics of the pore with those of channels formed by candidate molecules or complexes. The possibility that this entity may be the protein import machinery of the inner mitochondrial membrane is emphasized.

Molecular mechanisms of energy transduction in cells: engineering applications and biological implications

The synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate by F1F0-ATP synthase, the universal enzyme in biological energy conversion, using the energy of a transmembrane gradient of ions, and the use of ATP by the myosin-actin system to cause muscular contraction are among the most fundamental processes in biology. Both the ATP synthase and the myosin-actin may be looked upon as molecular machines. A detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms of energy transduction by these molecular machines has been carried out in order to understand the means by which living cells produce and consume energy. These mechanisms have been compared with each other and their biological implications have been discussed. The thermodynamics of energy coupling in the oxidative phosphorylation process has been developed and the consistency of the mechanisms with the thermodynamics has been explored. Novel engineering applications that can result have been discussed in detail and several directions for future work have been pointed out.

The molecular mechanism of ATP synthesis by F1F0-ATP synthase: a scrutiny of the major possibilities

A critical goal of metabolism in living cells is the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is synthesized by the enzyme F1F0-ATP synthase. This enzyme, the smallest-known molecular machine, couples proton translocation through its membrane-embedded, hydrophobic domain, F0, to the synthesis of ATP from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in its soluble, hydrophilic headpiece, F1. Animals, plants and microorganisms all capture and utilize energy by this important chemical reaction. How does it occur? The binding change mechanism and the torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis are two mechanisms that have been proposed in the literature. According to the binding change mechanism (which considers reversible catalysis and site-site cooperativity), energy is required primarily for release of synthesized ATP, but not for its synthesis. On the other hand, according to the torsional mechanism (which considers an irreversible mode of catalysis and absence of cooperativity), all the elementary steps require energy, and the ion-protein interaction energy obtained from the ion gradients is used to synthesize ATP, for Pi binding, and for straining the beta-epsilon bond in order to enable ADP to bind. The energy to release preformed ATP from the tight catalytic site (betaDP) is provided by the formation of the beta-epsilon ester linkage. First, the central features of these mechanisms are clearly delineated. Then, a critical scrutiny of these mechanisms is undertaken. The predictions of the torsional mechanism are listed. In particular, how the torsional mechanism deals with the specific difficulties associated with other mechanisms, and how it seeks to explain a wealth of structural, spectroscopic, and biochemical data is discussed in detail. Recent experimental data in support of the mechanism are presented. Finally, in view of the molecular machine nature of energy transduction, the indispensability of applying engineering tools at the molecular level is highlighted. This paves the way for the development of a new field: Molecular Physiological Engineering.

Effects on mitochondrial K flux of pH, K concentration, and N-ethyl maleimide

Based on published evidence that cation transport in mitochondria is not significantly dependent on a membrane potential, it is suggested that the process of mitochondrial cation transport may be nonelectrogenic. These experiments focused on the possibility that K+ flux into rat liver mitochondria may be directly coupled, via an energy-linked carrier mechanism, to OH- influx or H+ efflux. The dependence of the unidirectional K+ influx on the external K+ concentration indicates involvement of a saturable mechanism. Increasing the external pH from 7.0 to 8.0 increases the apparent V max of the K+ influx without significantly altering the apparent Km for K+. The pH dependence is greater in the presence of N-ethyl maleimide, a known inhibitor of the mitochondrial Pi/OH- exchange mechanism. N-Ethyl maleimide decreases the apparent V max at pH 7.0 and increases it at pH 8.0. Evidence indicates that both N-ethyl maleimide and a high external Pi concentration may stimulate the K+ influx at alkaline external pH (8.0) by preventing net exchanges between endogenous Pi and external OH-. An apparent first-order dependence of the K+ influx on the external OH- concentration is observed in the presence of N-ethyl maleimide. These results are consistent with a possible role of external OH- as a cosubstrate of the K+ transport mechanism.

The transport of cations in mitochondria

The present paper has reviewed several factors related to ion transport and examined the properties of cation transport in mitochondria. The analysis suggests that: (1) The concept that a metabolically dependent electrical potential across the mitochondrial membrane plays a role in determining ion fluxes and steady-state concentrations is not justified and the data indicate that such exchanges are generally electroneutral. (2) Generally, the influx and efflux of an ion proceed by the same mechanism with at least one exception. (3) There are indications that some of the steps in transport are common to several cations. (4) The idea that carrier or ionophoric molecules are involved in cation transport has been examined in some detail together with the possible involvement of some known mitochondrial components. In particular, a model has been introduced in which local charge imbalances produced by H+ fluxes serve as the driving force of transport. The molecules of the complex are arranged in series in a tripartite arrangement including a filter or gate, a nonselective channel and an H+-transferring portion linked to either electron transport or the ATPase. Parts of this model have been introduced by other investigators. Models in which different portions of channels have differing functions have been proposed previously for other transport systems.

Use of dyes to estimate the electrical potential of the mitochondrial membrane

A number of cationic or anionic fluorescent dyes were investigated as possible monitors of the membrane potential of rat liver mitochondria, and giant mitochondria isolated from the liver of mice maintained on a diet containing cuprizone. The fluorescence of four dyes (8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, merocyanine 540, 3,3'-dipropyl-thiocarbocyanine, and bis[1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid-(5)]-pentamethine oxonol) was found to respond appropriately to changes in an apparent K+ diffusion potential. Generally, valinomycin-induced K+ diffusion potentials as calculated using the Nernst equation were used to calibrate the dependence of the fluorescence on the membrane potential. The appropriateness of this approach was verified for two dyes using microelectrodes in giant mitochondria. The apparent membrane potential change induced by the addition of succinate was variable but was very low and generally less than 60 mV in magnitude. The results are consistent with the notion that a large membrane potential is not established upon the initiation of metabolism and that the membrane potential does not play a significant role in the observed ADP phosphorylation.

The physical aspects of energy transduction in biological systems

The primary energy sources for all the organisms living on the Earth are either sunlight or the energy liberated during chemical transformations (mainly, oxidation) of certain substances – food. Within the cell this energy is transformed, accumulated, and then utilized to ensure a multitude of processes (synthesis of new low- and high-molecular compounds, muscle contraction, luminescence, transfer of ions counter to their concentration gradients, etc.).

The role of universal ‘energy keeper’, of the, as it were, ‘energy small change’ in biology is played by the molecules of adenosine tri- phosphate (ATP) whose hydrolytic dissociation in water solutions with the formation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (P1) is accompanied by a rather strong decrease of system energy.†

Membrane potentials and resistances of giant mitochondria. Metabolic dependence and the effects of valinomycin

The membrane potentials and resistances of giant mitochondria from mice fed cuprizone have been studied. They were found to correspond approx. 10-20 mV, positive inside, and 2 M omega, respectively. These properties were found to be independent of the metabolic state. The microelectrodes were in the inner mitochondrial space since (a) the potentials in the presence of valinomycin depended on the K+ concentration of the medium and magnitude of the K+ diffusion potentials was consistent with the presence of a high internal concentration of K+, (b) almost identical results were obtained with mitochondria from which the external membrane had been removed and the cristae were evaginated, and (c) punch-through experiments, in which the microelectrodes were advanced until they emerged through the other side of the mitochondria, showed an identical membrane potential both in the presence and in the absence of valinomycin. The potentials were stable under a variety of conditions and showed no sign of decay of membrane leakiness. Detailed evidence that the impaled mitochondria are metabolically viable will be presented in a separate publication.

An analysis of the binding of fluorescence probes in mitochondrial systems

Measurements of the binding of the fluorescent probes 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonate (ANS) and ethidium ions to whole and disruped mitochondria and submitochondrial particles suggest that the inner mitochondrial membrane is freely permeable to the two probes. Equations relating the binding of permeant probes to the electro-chemical balance across the membrane of vesicular systems are derived and these equations used to analyze Scatchard plots of the binding of the two probes to energized and nonenergized mitochondria and EDTA particles.

Membrane potential of mitochondrial measured with microelectrodes

The membrane potentials of giant mitochondria from cuprizone-fed mice were found to be independent of metabolic state. Experiments are described in which the presence of the microelectrodes in the inner mitochondrial space, and the metabolic viability of the impaled mitochonidra, are validated.

Mitochondrial membrane potential: evidence from studies with a fluorescent probe

The fluorescence of the probe 3,3'-dihexyl-2,2'-oxacarbocyanine (CC(6)) has been found to indicate potential across cell membranes. Results obtained in the present study using CC(6) and Drosophila mitochondria are in agreement with membrane potentials previously measured by Tupper and Tedeschi using microelectrodes. The results of both studies with Drosophila suggest that the potential across the mitochondrial membrane does not play a significant role in oxidative phosphorylation.

Conservation and transformation of energy by bacterial membranes

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Ion transport underlying metabolically controlled volume changes of isolated mitochondria

An earlier study has indicated that the swelling of isolated mitochondria induced by inorganic phosphate (P(i)) can be accounted for largely or completely by the accumulation of ions. In the present study, a similar uptake was shown to be induced by a wider range of P(i) concentrations. Addition of ADP, KCN, or 2,4-dinitrophenol initiates a shrinkage which can be accounted for by the efflux of ions. The results are consistent with the explanations that (a) P(i) induces a transport of ions and a concomitant osmotic swelling, and (b) the addition of substances which compete or interfere with the energy available for transport results in ion efflux and a corresponding mitochondrial shrinkage. The results are not consistent with proposals that the changes in the light scattered by mitochondrial suspensions with alterations in metabolic states reflect a mechanochemical coupling phenomenon.