REVIEW: Mitochondrial Calcium Transport Systems: Properties, Regulation, and Taxonomic Features

Y. I. Deryabina^*, E. P. Isakova, and R. A. Zvyagilskaya

Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr. 33, Moscow 119071, Russia; fax: (7-095) 954-2732; E-mail: yul_der@mail.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received November 11, 2002; Revision received April 24, 2003

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Currently available information on properties and regulation of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transporting systems in eukaryotic cells is summarized. We describe in detail kinetic properties and effects of inhibitors and modulators on the energy-dependent Ca²⁺ uptake through the Ca²⁺ uniporter, as well as on Na⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent pathways for Ca²⁺ release in mammalian mitochondria. Special emphasis is placed on Ca²⁺ transport systems (for ion uptake and release) in mitochondria of higher plants, algae, and yeasts. Potential physiological implications of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ fluxes (influx and efflux), e.g., regulation of activity of Ca²⁺-dependent enzymes of the Krebs cycle, maintaining of cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and engagement in pathophysiological processes, are discussed.

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KEY WORDS: mitochondria, calcium transport, Ca²⁺ uniporter, Na⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent pathways for Ca²⁺ release, apoptosis

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