Bongkrekic acid is a natural toxin first isolated from coconut tempeh contaminated with bacteria. It is a polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acid derivative that acts as a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide (ADP/ATP) translocase (Ki < 2 nM). [1][2][3]Despite its high affinity, bongkrekic acid has a slow rate of action in intact preparations, as it must permeate the inner mitochondrial membrane to bind the translocase.[3]
Reference:
[1]. Henderson, P.J.F., and Lardy, H.A. Bongkrekic acid. An inhibitor of the adenine nucleotide translocase of mitochondria. The Journal of Biological Chemisty 245(6), 1319-1326 (1970).
[2]. Dahout-Gonzalez, C., Hury, H., Trézéguet, V., et al. Molecular, functional, and pathological aspects of the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier. Physiology (Bethesda) 21, 242-249 (2006).
[3]. Klingenberg, M. The ADP and ATP transport in mitochondria and its carrier. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1778(10), 1978-2021 (2008).