Mitodiversity

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V. A. Popkov¹, E. Y. Plotnikov², K. G. Lyamzaev², D. N. Silachev², L. D. Zorova³, I. B. Pevzner², S. S. Jankauskas², S. D. Zorov¹, V. A. Babenko¹, and D. B. Zorov^2*

¹Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, 119991 Moscow, Russia

²Lomonosov Moscow State University, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia; fax: +7 (495) 939-0338; E-mail: zorov@genebee.msu.ru

³Lomonosov Moscow State University, International Laser Center, 119991 Moscow, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received January 11, 2015; Revision received January 15, 2015

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Here, in addition to the previously coined term “mitobiota”, we introduce the term “mitodiversity” for various phenotypic and genetic heterogeneities of mitochondria within the same cell or organ. Based on data on the mitochondrial transmembrane potential determined both in situ and in vitro under normal conditions and after organ ischemia/reperfusion, such heterogeneity is most evident under pathologic conditions. Herein, a part of the mitochondrial population with transmembrane potential typical of the normal state is sustained even under a pathological condition that, perhaps, underlies the development of ways of reversing pathology back to the normal state. The membrane potentials of isolated mitochondria were shown to directly correlate with the magnitude of side-scattered light depicting internal structure of mitochondria. We analyzed possible interpretations of data on mitochondrial membrane potential obtained using fluorescent probes. We suggest a possible mechanism underlying retention of fluorescent probes inside the cells and mitochondria.

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KEY WORDS: mitochondria, heterogeneity, diversity, chondriome, population analysis, membrane potential, ischemia, pathology, lesion

DOI: 10.1134/S000629791505003X

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