RALA and RALBP1 regulate mitochondrial fission at mitosis.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondria exist as dynamic interconnected networks that are maintained through a balance of fusion and fission. Equal distribution of mitochondria to daughter cells during mitosis requires fission. Mitotic mitochondrial fission depends on both the relocalization of the large GTPase DRP1 to the outer mitochondrial membrane and phosphorylation of Ser 616 on DRP1 by the mitotic kinase cyclin B-CDK1 (ref. 2). We now report that these processes are mediated by the small Ras-like GTPase RALA and its effector RALBP1 (also known as RLIP76, RLIP1 or RIP1; refs 3, 4). Specifically, the mitotic kinase Aurora A phosphorylates Ser 194 of RALA, relocalizing it to the mitochondria, where it concentrates RALBP1 and DRP1. Furthermore, RALBP1 is associated with cyclin B-CDK1 kinase activity that leads to

SUBMITTER: Kashatus DF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3167028 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature