Mitochondrial membrane potential collapse (ΔΨm collapse)

Mitochondrial membrane potential collapse refers to the dissipation of the electrochemical gradient (ΔΨm) across the mitochondrial inner membrane, which is essential for ATP production, maintenance of mitochondrial integrity, and many cellular functions. Loss of ΔΨm is a hallmark of mitochondrial dysfunction, occurring during apoptosis, mitophagy, and various pathologies including neurodegeneration, cancer, inflammation, and infection. It triggers the release of pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c and is monitored as a biomarker of cell health and mitochondrial integrity. Although often targeted in experimental studies to induce or monitor cell death, ΔΨm collapse is not itself a druggable protein, receptor, or enzyme, but rather a crucial physiological process. This term is often misused as a molecular target; it is instead a key indicator and mediator of cell fate decisions, rather than a discrete molecular entity.

Other names

Mitochondrial depolarizationLoss of mitochondrial membrane potentialΔΨm collapseMitochondrial membrane depolarization

Drugs or toxins that disrupt electron transport chain (ETC) or uncouple oxidative phosphorylation induce ΔΨm collapse by dissipating the proton gradient. Collapse of ΔΨm triggers release of cytochrome c and other apoptogenic factors, activating apoptotic cascades.