Cardioprotection and Altered Mitochondrial Transport

Inhibition of GSK-3 reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by mechanisms that involve the mitochondria. We have focused on effects of GSK inhibition on transport across the outer mitochondrial membrane, and find that GSK inhibitors slow adenine nucleotide transport under de-energized conditions. We also find evidence that VDAC phosphorylation is altered by GSK inhibitors. This suggests a novel mechanism of mitochondrial regulation that may be important in ischemic injury.