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Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
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Menthol causes mitochondrial Ca2+-influx, affects structure-function relationship and cools mitochondria.

Shamit Kumar1, Tusar Kanta Acharya1, Ramizur Rahaman Halder1

  • 1National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar, School of Biological Sciences, P.O. Jatni, Khurda 752050, Odisha, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India.

Life Sciences
|August 21, 2023
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Menthol complexly affects cellular responses, particularly mitochondrial calcium, morphology, and temperature. This plant compound cools mitochondria, protects against damage, and may act as an anti-aging agent.

Keywords:
CardiolipinER-Mito contact pointsMitochondrial Ca(2+)-influxMitochondrial temperatureNeuro-degenerationROS

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Mitochondrial Physiology

Background:

  • Menthol is a widely used bioactive compound with poorly understood cellular effects.
  • Understanding menthol's molecular targets is crucial for its medicinal applications.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in various age-related and inflammatory diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular, subcellular, and molecular effects of menthol.
  • To characterize menthol's impact on mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and metabolism.
  • To explore menthol's potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly for age-related disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2).
  • Analyzed menthol's effects on mitochondrial Ca2+, ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cardiolipin, and membrane potential (ΔΨm).
  • Assessed menthol's impact on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria contact sites and mitochondrial morphology, including its cooling effect.

Main Results:

  • Menthol increased mitochondrial Ca2+ from intracellular sources, including the ER.
  • Menthol altered mitochondrial morphology, increased ATP, cardiolipin, and ROS, while decreasing membrane potential.
  • Menthol reduced mitochondrial temperature in various cell types and protected mitochondria from CCCP-induced damage.

Conclusions:

  • Menthol significantly impacts mitochondrial function and Ca2+ dynamics.
  • Menthol's ability to lower mitochondrial temperature suggests potential anti-aging and protective effects.
  • Menthol may be a valuable supplementary agent for conditions associated with elevated mitochondrial temperature, such as aging and inflammation.