Figure 5. Modulation of mitochondrial membrane potential by free tubulin and protein kinase.
A. Pseudocolor of the fluorescence of TMRM was used to monitor changes of mitochondrial Ψ in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Ψ decreased after microtubule depolymerization with colchicine (Col) and nocodazole (Ncz). Paclitaxel (Ptx), microtubule stabilizer, hyperpolarized mitochondria even in the presence of nocodazole. Dibutyrl cAMP (cAMP), a PKA agonist, also depolarized mitochondria, whereas H89, a PKA inhibitor, hyperpolarized mitochondria even in the presence of dibutyrl cAMP. Adapted from [52].