Metabolic control of elastic properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane

Abstract

A possible physical mechanism for inner mitochondrial membrane shape rearrangements is given. This analytical study shows that high transmembrane potential at the inner mitochondrial membrane brings about specific, substantial, and dynamic electrochemical contributions to lateral tension, bending rigidity constant, and elastic modulus of Gaussian curvature of the membrane. Changes in mitochondrial metabolism dramatically affect the magnitude of these elastic parameters but not necessarily that of proton-motive force. Metabolic-driven variation of mechanical properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane can promote the membrane remodeling between its principal geometric shapes and serve as a negative feedback in control of the oxidative phosphorylation.