(1) Department of Paediatrics, Genetic Health Services Victoria, Royal Children’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Metabolic Service, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
Abstract:
The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system is responsible for providing the bulk of cellular ATP molecules. There
is a growing body of information regarding the regulation of this process by a number of second messenger-mediated signal
transduction mechanisms, although direct studies aimed at elucidating this regulation are limited. The main second messengers
affecting mitochondrial signal transduction are cAMP and calcium. Other second messengers include ceramide and reactive oxygen
species as well as nitric oxide and reactive nitrogen species. This review focuses on available data on the regulation of
the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system by signal transduction mechanisms and is organised according to the second
messengers involved, because of their pivotal role in mitochondrial function. Future perspectives for further investigations
regarding these mechanisms in the regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation system are formulated.
Received 11 December 2005; received after revision 14 January 2006; accepted 6 February 2006