Induction of the permeability transition pore in cells depleted of mitochondrial DNA

► A mitochondrial (mt) permeability transition (PT) occurs in human 206 ρ0 cells. ► Detachment of mt hexokinase II is an effective PT trigger. ► A fraction of ERK1/2 and GSK3α/β is in the mt matrix of ρ0 cells. ► Glucose/serum deprivation (GSD) inhibits mt ERK and activates mt GSK3α/β. ► PT plays a role in the death of 206 ρ0 cells by GSD.