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Control of apoptosis by the cellular ATP level
C Richter1, M Schweizer, A Cossarizza
1Laboratory of Biochemistry I, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland.
FEBS Letters
|January 8, 1996
Summary
Cellular ATP levels may determine cell death during apoptosis. Maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi) prevents apoptosis, suggesting energy is crucial for this programmed cell death pathway.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptosis, a physiological cell death, has unclear causes and mechanisms.
- Mitochondria are implicated as key mediators, acting as both targets and sources of oxidative stress, nitric oxide, and calcium (Ca2+).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cellular ATP levels in determining apoptosis.
- To explore the relationship between mitochondrial function and programmed cell death.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on apoptosis mediators.
- Proposal for experimental testing using flow cytometry to assess mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi) and ATP levels.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi) decline is observed during apoptosis.
- Maintenance of delta psi appears to prevent apoptosis.
- Apoptosis involves energy-intensive processes, suggesting a high cellular ATP demand.
Conclusions:
- Cellular ATP levels are proposed as a critical determinant of apoptosis.
- Mitochondria play a central role in apoptosis, linking energy metabolism to cell fate.