Mitochondrial machineries for insertion of membrane proteins. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bohnert, Maria; Pfanner, Nikolaus; van der Laan, Martin
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in structural biology. Volume 33(2015)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2015.07.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-440X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Insertion of proteins into lipid bilayers is a mechanistically challenging process. Multiple import pathways in mitochondrial membrane proteins with distinct topologies. Cooperation of translocases allows for biogenesis of complicated membrane proteins. Import and assembly of respiratory chain subunits are mechanistically linked. Abstract : Mitochondria comprise two membrane systems, a bordering outer membrane and an invaginated inner membrane containing the oxidative phosphorylation machinery for ATP synthesis. Most mitochondrial membrane proteins are produced as precursors in the cytosolic compartment of the cell and imported into the organelle, whereas only few proteins are synthesized in the mitochondrial matrix. The topologically correct integration of hydrophobic precursor proteins into phospholipid bilayers is a particular challenge for protein translocation systems. Because of this mechanistic complexity, membrane proteins with distinct transmembrane topologies require profoundly different biogenesis pathways. Here we discuss recent findings on the structure and function of the diverse molecular machineries for mitochondrial membrane protein insertion.