Quantifying the Mitochondrial Proton Circuit in Intact Cells - Volts and Amps

The mitochondrial proton circuit was first proposed 40 years ago by Peter Mitchell and has provided the framework for all subsequent investigations of functional mitochondrial bioenergetics. The Buck Institute’s simplistic model has been to comparte the proton circuit to an analogous electrical circuit, where the membrane potential (of strictly the protonmotive force) is the voltage term, the proton current (determined from the rate of respiration) is the current term, and membrane conductance is calculated from these by Ohm’s Law. This approach was instrumental in its discovery of uncoupling protein 1 thirty years ago and guides our current research on neuronal bioenergetics in neurodegenerative models. This 45-minute webinar discusses current approaches for monitoring the proton circuit of mitochondria in situ in neurons and other cells.

Also discussed:

• The proton circuit: membrane potentials, proton current and the roles of proton leaks
• The volt-meter: monitoring mitochondrial membrane potentials in cells
• The ammeter: monitoring ATP turnover, proton leak and spare respiratory capacity

View On-Demand Webinar*

References and Additional Links

Select References:

Johnson-Cadwell LI, Jekabsons MB, Wang A, Polster BM, Nicholls DGUncoupling' Does Not Decrease Mitochondrial Superoxide Levels in Cultured Cerebellar Granule Neurons but Decreases Spare Respiratory Capacity and Increases Toxicity to Glutamate and Oxidative Stress. J Neurochem in press 2007

Nicholls DG, Johnson-Cadwell LI, Vesce S, Jekabsons MB, Yadava N. The bioenergetics of mitochondria in cultured neurons and their role in glutamate excitotoxicity. J Neurosci Res in press 2007

Oliviera J, Ellerby LM, Rego AC, Nicholls DG. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Huntington's disease: the bioenergetics of isolated and in-situ mitochondria from transgenic mice. J Neurochem in press 2007

Polster BM, Arze R, Lyttle MH, Nicholls DG, Hudson D.Solid Phase Synthesis of Dual Labeled Peptides: Development of Cell Permeable Calpain Specific Substrates. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics in press 2007

Nicholls Lab Website:

http://www.buckinstitute.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=140&Itemid=111

Contact Information:

David G. Nicholls, Ph.D., FRSE
Professor, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Buck Institute for Age Research
Email: dnicholls@buckinstitute.org

 

*None of the content on this website should be considered medical or psychological advice. Seahorse Biosciences does not give medical advice or diagnose medical and psychological conditions. Although every effort is made to assure that information on this site is accurate and current, knowledge in the field of cellular bioenergetics is growing rapidly and all data is subject to change without notice. You should consult with your healthcare professional for specific advice relating to your medical questions or conditions. None of the information, statements and/or links contained on the website are intended to replace the attention or medical instructions from a healthcare professional. Only your practitioner can completely and appropriately assess your situation and make conclusive decisions regarding your care.

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