Cyclophilin D

Cyclophilin D (CypD/PPIF) is a mitochondrial matrix peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase and a unique human cyclophilin isoform imported into the mitochondrial matrix[1]. Mechanistically, CypD facilitates mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) regulation, because Ppif−/− mitochondria lack CypD and require a higher Ca2+ load for pore opening[2]. Sustained CypD-dependent mPTP activation links Ca2+ overload and oxidative stress to mitochondrial swelling, membrane failure, and regulated necrotic cell death[2][3]. In disease models, CypD deficiency reduced ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac injury and decreased brain infarct size after focal cerebral ischemia[3][4]. CypD also controlled mitochondrial pore-dependent Ca2+ exchange, metabolic flexibility, and heart-failure susceptibility in mice[5]. Compared with related cyclophilins, CypD is distinguished by mitochondrial matrix localization rather than a general cytosolic or secretory cyclophilin role[1]. For experimental applications, small-molecule cyclophilin inhibitors blocked mPTP opening in liver mitochondria, mouse and human hepatocytes, and protected mice from hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury[6]. Reviews of CypD inhibitors therefore position CypD as a practical target for mitochondria-related disease models and inhibitor-screening studies[7].