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We have provided evidence that mitochondrial membrane permeability transition induced by inorganic phosphate, uncouplers or prooxidants such as t-butyl hydroperoxide and diamide is caused by a Ca(2+)-stimulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the respiratory chain, at the level of the coenzyme Q. The ROS attack to membrane protein thiols produces cross-linkage reactions, that may open membrane pores upon Ca2+ binding. Studies with submitochondrial particles have demonstrated that the binding of Ca2+ to these particles (possibly to cardiolipin) induces lipid lateral phase separation detected by electron paramagnetic resonance experiments exploying stearic acids spin labels. This condition leads to a disorganization of respiratory chain components, favoring ROS production and consequent protein and lipid oxidation.
Vercesi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.