Valinomycin

Valinomycin is a selective K+ ionophore capable of transporting potassium ions through lipid membranes [1]. It can induce apoptosis in cells by causing a rapid loss of mitochondrial membrane potential via potassium efflux [2,3].

References:

1) Pressman, (1976)  Biological applications of ionophores;  Annu.Rev.Biochem.  45  501

2) Furlong  et al., (1998) Induction of apoptosis by valinomycin: mitochondrial permeability transition causes intracellular acidification  Cell Death Diff.  5 214

3) Inai et al. (1997) Valinomycin induces apoptosis of ascites hepatoma cells (AH-130) in relation to mitochondrial membrane potential; Cell Struc.Funct. 22 555