Cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane (CL)

Cardiolipin is a unique tetra-acylated phospholipid that is highly enriched in the inner mitochondrial membrane, constituting about 15–20% of total mitochondrial phospholipids[2][3][6]. Its dimeric structure, containing four fatty acid chains, gives it a conical shape essential for stacking and curvature of the inner mitochondrial membrane, supporting the formation of cristae and organization of respiratory chain supercomplexes[2][3][6]. Cardiolipin anchors enzymes crucial for electron transport and ATP production, regulates mitochondrial fission, fusion, and mitophagy, and acts as a signaling platform during apoptosis by interacting with and recruiting apoptotic factors when exposed to the outer membrane[2][4][6]. Perturbations in cardiolipin quantity, acyl composition, distribution, or oxidative state are implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to diseases such as cardiomyopathies, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and immune defects[2][3][4]. Although not a protein receptor, enzyme, or transporter, cardiolipin is a key molecular scaffold and signaling lipid in mitochondrial function and pathology, and is under investigation as a target for therapies that stabilize its structure and prevent its oxidation[3].

Other names

Cardiolipin1,3-bis(sn-3'-phosphatidyl)-sn-glycerolDiphosphatidylglycerol

Stabilization of cardiolipin to preserve mitochondrial respiratory chain function; Prevention of cardiolipin oxidation; Modulation of mitochondrial membrane protein interactions