Age-dependent dissociation of ATP synthase dimers and loss of inner-membrane cristae in mitochondria

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1305462110
• Publication Date: 2013-09-05T04:47:33Z
• Authors: Bertram Daum; Andreas Walter; Angelika Horst; Heinz D. Osiewacz; Werner Kühlbrandt
• Keywords: Inner membrane; Membrane Curvature; Cyclophilin; Bioenergetics; Organelle

Aging is one of the most fundamental, yet least understood biological processes that affect all forms eukaryotic life. Mitochondria are intimately involved in aging, but underlying molecular mechanisms largely unknown. Electron cryotomography whole mitochondria from aging model organism Podospora anserina revealed profound age-dependent changes membrane architecture. With increasing age, typical cristae disappear and inner vesiculates. The ATP synthase dimers form rows at tips dissociate into monomers inner-membrane vesicles, curvature inverts. Dissociation dimer may involve peptidyl prolyl isomerase cyclophilin D. Finally, outer ruptures near large contact-site complexes, releasing apoptogens cytoplasm. Inner-membrane vesiculation dissociation would impair ability to supply cell with sufficient maintain essential cellular functions.