Integrating Mitochondrial Energetics, Redox and ROS Metabolic Networks: A Two-Compartment Model

To understand the mechanisms involved in the control and regulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, a two-compartment computational mitochondrial energetic-redox (ME-R) model accounting for energetic, redox, and ROS metabolisms is presented. The ME-R model incorporates four main redox couples (NADH/NAD(+), NADPH/NADP(+), GSH/GSSG, Trx(SH)(2)/TrxSS). Scavenging systems-glutathione, thioredoxin, superoxide dismutase, catalase-are distributed in mitochondrial matrix and extra-matrix compartments, and transport between compartments of ROS species (superoxide: O-2(center dot-), hydrogen peroxide: H2O2), and GSH is also taken into account. Model simulations are compared with experimental data obtained from isolated heart mitochondria. The ME-R model is able to simulate: i), the shape and order of magnitude of H2O2 emission and dose-response kinetics observed after treatment with inhibitors of the GSH or Trx scavenging systems and ii), steady and transient behavior of Delta Psi(m) and NADH after single or repetitive pulses of substrate- or uncoupler-elicited energetic-redox transitions. The dynamics of the redox environment in both compartments is analyzed with the model following substrate addition. The ME-R model represents a useful computational tool for exploring ROS dynamics, the role of compartmentation in the modulation of the redox environment, and how redox regulation participates in the control of mitochondrial function.