Multiple pathways for mitochondrial protein traffic

Biol Chem. 2009 Aug;390(8):723-30. doi: 10.1515/BC.2009.087.

Abstract

Mitochondria are two-membrane bounded organelles consisting of 1000-2000 different proteins, most of which are synthesized in the cytosol and subsequently imported into mitochondria. The imported proteins are further sorted to one of the four compartments, the outer membrane, intermembrane space, inner membrane, and matrix, mostly following one of the five major pathways. Mitochondrial protein import and sorting are mediated by the translocator complexes in the membranes and chaperones in the aqueous compartments operating along the import pathways. Here, we summarize the expanding knowledge on the roles of translocators, chaperones, and related components in the multiple pathways for mitochondrial protein trafficking.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytosol / metabolism
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / metabolism
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • CHCHD4 protein, human
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • OXA1 protein
  • Electron Transport Complex IV