Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) (ΔΨm)

Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is the electric potential difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane, generated by the electron transport chain (ETC) during oxidative phosphorylation (StatPearls, 2023). It is a critical component of the proton motive force used by ATP synthase to generate ATP and is essential for mitochondrial protein import and calcium homeostasis (Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2019). Maintenance of ΔΨm is a hallmark of cell viability, while its dissipation is often an early signal for the induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) (Journal of Cell Science, 2018). While not a single molecular target, ΔΨm is modulated by various drugs, including uncouplers like 2,4-dinitrophenol and ETC inhibitors like metformin, to treat metabolic or oncological conditions (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2020). However, drug-induced depolarization of ΔΨm is a major cause of mitochondrial toxicity and is a key focus of safety pharmacology (Toxicological Sciences, 2019). This parameter serves as a vital indicator of mitochondrial health in drug screening and disease modeling.

Other names

MMPInner mitochondrial membrane potentialMitochondrial electrochemical gradientΔΨm

Modulation of the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane through uncoupling, inhibition of electron transport chain complexes, or regulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.