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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Mitochondrial Ca2+ Retention Capacity Assay and Ca2+-triggered Mitochondrial Swelling Assay
Published on: May 1, 2018
The molecular identity of the mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration system
1Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA. ans2024@med.cornell.edu
Abstract:
There is ample evidence to suggest that a dramatic decrease in mitochondrial Ca(2+) retention may contribute to the cell death associated with stroke, excitotoxicity, ischemia and reperfusion, and neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria from all studied tissues can accumulate and store Ca(2+) , but the maximum Ca(2+) storage capacity varies widely and exhibits striking tissue specificity. There is currently no explanation for this fact. Precipitation of Ca(2+) and phosphate in the mitochondrial matrix has been suggested to be the major form of storage of accumulated Ca(2+) in mitochondria. How this precipitate is formed is not known. The molecular identity of almost all proteins involved in Ca(2+) transport, storage and formation of the permeability transition pore is also unknown. This review summarizes studies aimed at identifying these proteins, and describes the properties of a known mitochondrial protein that may be involved in Ca(2+) transport and the structure of the permeability transition pore.
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