Mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM)

The mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) is a critical lipid bilayer that serves as the interface between the mitochondrion and the cytoplasm, functioning as both a selective barrier and a signaling platform. It houses essential protein complexes such as the Translocase of the Outer Membrane (TOM) for protein import and the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) for the exchange of metabolites like ATP and ADP between the organelle and the cytosol (15, 17). A primary biological role of the MOM is the regulation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway; the process of Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilization (MOMP) is considered the 'point of no return' in cell death, leading to the release of pro-apoptotic factors like cytochrome c (4, 13). In many cancers, the MOM is a site of therapeutic resistance where anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins are overexpressed to prevent MOMP and ensure cell survival (1, 9). Conversely, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, dysfunction in MOM-associated proteins leads to impaired mitophagy and the accumulation of damaged mitochondria, contributing to neuronal loss (8, 11). Therapeutic strategies targeting the MOM typically involve small molecules or peptides that modulate its permeability or inhibit specific resident proteins, such as Bcl-2 or VDAC, to either promote apoptosis in malignant cells or protect mitochondrial integrity in degenerative conditions (3, 14).

Other names

Outer mitochondrial membraneOMMMOM

Induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, modulation of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) to regulate metabolite flux, and interference with mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics.