Computational modeling of mitochondrial K+- and H+-driven ATP synthesis

ATP synthase (F1Fo) is a rotary molecular engine that harnesses energy from electrochemical-gradients across the inner mitochondrial membrane for ATP synthesis. Despite the accepted tenet that F1Fo transports exclusively H+, our laboratory has demonstrated that, in addition to H+, F1Fo ATP synthase transports a significant fraction of ΔΨm-driven charge as K+ to synthesize ATP. Herein, we utilize a computational modeling approach as a proof of principle of the feasibility of the core mechanism underlying the enhanced ATP synthesis, and to explore its bioenergetic consequences.

Source: Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology - December 24, 2021 Category: Cytology Authors: Sonia Cortassa, Miguel A. Aon, Magdalena Juhaszova, Evgeny Kobrinsky, Dmitry B. Zorov, Steven J. Sollott Source Type: research