The c subunits, which constitutes the c-ring apparatus of
the F F -ATPase, could be the main
components of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). The
well-known modulator of the mPTP formation and opening is the
cyclophilin D (CyPD), a peptidyl-prolyl cis- trans
isomerase. On the loop, which connects the two hairpin α-helix of
c subunit, is present the unique proline residue (Pro
) that could be a biological target of CyPD. Indeed,
the proline cis- trans isomerization might provide the
switch that interconverts the open/closed states of the pore by pulling
out the c-ring lipid plug.