Abstract

We have investigated whether increase in the oxidation rate of exogenous cytochrome c (cyto-c), induced by long chain ceramides, might be due to an increased rate of cytosolic NADH/cyto-c electron transport pathway. This process was identified in isolated liver mitochondria and has been studied in our laboratory for many years. Data from highly specific test of sulfite oxidase prove that exogenous cyto-c both in the absence and presence of ceramide cannot permeate through the mitochondrial outer membrane. However, the oxidation of added NADH, mediated by exogenous cyto-c and coupled to the generation of a membrane potential supporting the ATP synthesis, can also be stimulated by ceramide. The results obtained suggest that ceramide molecules, by increasing mitochondrial permeability, with the generation of either channels or raft-like platforms, may have a dual function. They can promote the release of endogenous cyto-c and activate, with an energy conserving process, the oxidation of cytosolic NADH either inducing the formation of new respiratory contact sites or increasing the frequency of the pre-existing porin contact sites. In agreement with the data in the literature, an increase of mitochondrial ceramide molecules level may represent an efficient strategy to activate and support the correct execution of apoptotic program.

Autore Pugliese

• Lofrumento Dario Domenico

Tutti gli autori

• Gorgoglione V. , Palmitessa V. , Lofrumento D.D. , La Piana G. , Abbrescia D.I. , Marzulli D. , Lofrumento N.E.

Titolo volume/Rivista

ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS

Anno di pubblicazione

2010

ISSN

0003-9861

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

6

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

25/04/2018

Numero di citazioni Scopus

6

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

26/04/2018

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile