Mitochondrial Proton Conductance and Energy Metabolism
Summary
Mitochondria convert the energy stored in nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation, a process driven by the chemiosmotic generation of a proton gradient across the inner membrane. Proton conductance—the passage of protons back into the matrix independent of ATP synthase—modulates the efficiency of energy conversion, contributing both to heat production and the regulation of reactive oxygen species. Specialized proteins, notably uncoupling proteins, facilitate proton leak to fine-tune metabolic rate and thermogenesis, with wide-ranging implications for thermoregulation, metabolic disease and adaptive physiology. Hormonal signals and tissue-specific channels further adjust proton conductance to meet changing energetic demands, underscoring its central role in cellular and organismal energy homeostasis.
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Mitochondrial Proton Conductance and Energy Metabolism publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in mitochondrial proton conductance and energy metabolism across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Oxidative phosphorylation: The process by which electrons flow through the respiratory chain, driving proton pumping and ATP synthesis.
Proton motive force: The electrochemical gradient of protons across the inner membrane that powers ATP synthase.
Proton conductance (proton leak): Non-ATP-synthase mediated return of protons into the matrix, reducing coupling efficiency and generating heat.
Uncoupling protein: A membrane carrier that increases proton conductance, thereby uncoupling respiration from ATP manufacture.
Chemiosmotic theory: The principle that links electron transport to ATP synthesis via a transmembrane proton gradient.
References
- The quantitative contributions of mitochondrial proton leak and ATP turnover reactions to the changed respiration rates of hepatocytes from rats of different thyroid status. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1993).
- Loss of Otopetrin 1 affects thermoregulation during fasting in mice. PLOS ONE (2023).
- An update of the chemiosmotic theory as suggested by possible proton currents inside the coupling membrane. Open Biology (2019).
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