Mechanisms for the transport of alpha,omega-dicarboxylates through the mitochondrial inner membrane

alpha,omega-Dicarboxylates have antibacterial properties, have been used in the treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders, are active against various melanoma cell lines, and can also undergo beta-oxidation. Little, however, is known about their transport. In this paper, we examine the mitochondrial transport of alpha, omega-dicarboxylates ranging from oxalate (DC2) to sebacate (DC10). DC2-DC10 are transported by the inner membrane anion channel (IMAC). DC6-DC10 are also transported by an electroneutral mechanism that appears to reflect transport of the acid through the lipid bilayer. At 37 degrees C and pH 7.0, DC10 is transported very rapidly at 3 micromol/min.mg, and respiring mitochondria swell in the K+ salts of these acids. This transport mechanism is probably the major pathway by which the longer dicarboxylates enter cells, bacteria, and mitochondria. We also demonstrate that DC5-DC10 can also be transported by an electroneutral mechanism mediated by tributyltin, a potent inhibitor of IMAC. The mechanism appears to involve electroneutral exchange of a TBT-dicarboxylate-H complex for TBT-OH. Finally, we present evidence that of all the dicarboxylates tested only DC2-DC4 can be transported by the classical dicarboxylate carrier.