Mitochondrial protein import: two membranes, three translocases.
Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesised in the cytosol and must be translocated across one or two membranes to reach their functional destination inside mitochondria. Dynamic protein complexes in the outer and inner membranes function as specific machineries that recognise the various kinds of precursor proteins and promote their translocation through protein-conducting channels. At least three major translocase complexes with a high flexibility and versatility are needed to ensure the proper import of precursor proteins into mitochondria.
Pfanner
Nikolaus
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Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 7, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany. Nikoluas.Pfanner@biochemie.uni-freiburg.de
Wiedemann
Nils
N
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism; D021381:Protein Transport
D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D011498:Protein Precursors