Cyclophilin D: An Integrator of Mitochondrial Function

Abstract

Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a mitochondrial peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, well-known for regulating the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), a nonspecific large conductance pore whose opening leads to cell death and has been implicated in ischemia/reperfusion injury in multiple organs, in neurodegenerative disorders, and in muscular dystrophies. While the main target of CypD is a matter of ongoing research, inhibiting CypD protects in models of those diseases making it an interesting therapeutic target. The present review focuses on post-translational modifications of CypD that have been identified by recent studies, which can alter the regulation of the PTP and contribute to understanding the mechanisms of action of CypD.

Keywords: ATP synthase; cyclophilin D; cyclosporine A; mitochondrial function; peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase; permeability transition pore.