Mitofusin 2: a mitochondria-shaping protein with signaling roles beyond fusion.
Mitochondria are central organelles in metabolism, signal transduction, and programmed cell death. To meet their diverse functional demands, their shape is strictly regulated by a growing family of proteins that impinge on fission and fusion of the organelle. Mitochondrial fusion depends on Mitofusin (Mfn) 1 and 2, two integral outer-membrane proteins. Although MFN1 seems primarily involved in the regulation of the docking and fusion of the organelle, mounting evidence is implicating MFN2 in multiple signaling pathways not restricted to the regulation of mitochondrial shape. Here we review data supporting a role for this mitochondria-shaping protein beyond fusion, in regulating mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis, shape of other organelles, and even progression through cell cycle. In conclusion, MFN2 appears a multifunctional protein whose biologic function is not restricted to the regulation of mitochondrial shape.
de Brito
Olga Martins
OM
Dulbecco-Telethon Institute, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy.
Scorrano
Luca
L
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D020558:GTP Phosphohydrolases; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D020558:GTP Phosphohydrolases; C470018:MFN2 protein, human