Computational modeling of mitochondrial K- and H-driven ATP synthesis.

ATP synthase (FF) is a rotary molecular engine that harnesses energy from electrochemical-gradients across the inner mitochondrial membrane for ATP synthesis. Despite the accepted tenet that FF transports exclusively H, our laboratory has demonstrated that, in addition to H, FF ATP synthase transports a significant fraction of ΔΨ-driven charge as K to synthesize ATP. Herein, we utilize a computational modeling approach as a proof of principle of the feasibility of the core mechanism underlying the enhanced ATP synthesis, and to explore its bioenergetic consequences. A minimal model comprising the 'core' mechanism constituted by ATP synthase, driven by both proton (PMF) and potassium motive force (KMF), respiratory chain, adenine nucleotide translocator, Pi carrier, and K/H exchanger (KHEmito) was able to simulate enhanced ATP synthesis and respiratory fluxes determined experimentally with isolated heart mitochondria. This capacity of FF ATP synthase confers mitochondria with a significant energetic advantage compared to K transport through a channel not linked to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). The K-cycling mechanism requires a KHE that exchanges matrix K for intermembrane space H, leaving PMF as the overall driving energy of OxPhos, in full agreement with the standard chemiosmotic mechanism. Experimental data of state 4➔3 energetic transitions, mimicking low to high energy demand, could be reproduced by an integrated computational model of mitochondrial function that incorporates the 'core' mechanism. Model simulations display similar behavior compared to the experimentally observed changes in ΔΨ, mitochondrial K uptake, matrix volume, respiration, and ATP synthesis during the energetic transitions at physiological pH and K concentration. The model also explores the role played by KHE in modulating the energetic performance of mitochondria. The results obtained support the available experimental evidence on ATP synthesis driven by K and H transport through the FF ATP synthase.