Mitochondrial Ca2+ transport, permeability transition and oxidative stress in cell death: implications in cardiotoxicity, neurodegeneration and dyslipidemias

Mitochondrial Ca2+ transport is important in the maintenance of intracellular ion homeostasis, and also a key factor in the pathogenesis of many diseases. We discuss here the main aspects of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport, and how this transport is linked to changes in energy metabolism and redox state. Mitochondrial permeability transition, a consequence of excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation associated with oxidative stress is also discussed. Finally, our current understanding of the involvement of these mitochondrial processes in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion, neurodegeneration and dyslipidemias is presented.