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Phosphorylation of mitochondrial membrane proteins: effect of the surface potential on monoamine oxidase

FEBS Letters
|June 27, 1983
PubMed

Insights

Liver mitochondria proteins get phosphorylated with ATP and Mg2+, increasing negative surface potential and decreasing monoamine oxidase activity. Cytoplasmic protein kinases and cyclic AMP further enhance these effects, impacting mitochondrial function.

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial biochemistry and cell signaling.

Background:

  • Mitochondrial membrane proteins undergo phosphorylation in response to ATP and Mg2+.
  • This phosphorylation event influences mitochondrial membrane surface potential and enzyme kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of protein phosphorylation on mitochondrial membrane properties and enzyme activity.
  • To explore the role of cytoplasmic protein kinases and cyclic AMP in modulating these mitochondrial changes.

Main Methods:

  • Incubation of liver mitochondria with ATP and Mg2+.
  • Measurement of mitochondrial membrane surface potential using fluorescent probes (8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulphonate and ethidium bromide).
  • Assay of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase activity to determine apparent Km-values.

Main Results:

  • Protein phosphorylation in mitochondrial membranes was observed.
  • A significant increase in the negative surface potential of mitochondrial membranes was detected.
  • A decrease in the apparent Km-value of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase was measured.
  • Cytoplasmic protein kinases and cyclic AMP markedly potentiated protein phosphorylation, increased negative surface potential, and decreased monoamine oxidase Km.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial protein phosphorylation alters membrane surface charge and modulates monoamine oxidase activity.
  • Cytoplasmic signaling pathways involving protein kinases and cyclic AMP can significantly influence mitochondrial function and biochemistry.

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