F-ATP Synthase Inhibitory Factor 1 in Regulation of Mitochondria Permeability Transition Pore and Metabolic Reprogramming

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) plays an important role in mitochondrial physiology and cell fate. Emerging studies highlight PTP forms from F-ATP synthase, but whether F-ATP synthase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) regulates the activity of PTP is basically unknown. We have recently demonstrated that IF1 interacts with p53-CyPD complex and promotes opening of the PTP, and IF1 is necessary for the formation of p53-CyPD complex. IF1, a natural inhibitor of F-ATP synthase, acts as a main driver of metabolic switch to a Warburg phenotype. In this Commentary, we intend to discuss that the PTP may act as an alternative mechanism through which IF1 regulates metabolic reprogramming. The PTP participates in physiological Ca2+/ROS homeostasis and cell fate depending on the open state. The PTP-regulatory role of IF1 provides a clue that IF1 participates in metabolic plasticity probably involving modulation of PTP activity.