Protein import in mitochondria biogenesis: guided by targeting signals and sustained by dedicated chaperones.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondria have a central role in cellular metabolism; they are responsible for the biosynthesis of amino acids, lipids, iron-sulphur clusters and regulate apoptosis. About 99% of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, so the biogenesis of mitochondria heavily depends on protein import pathways into the organelle. An intricate system of well-studied import machinery facilitates the import of mitochondrial proteins. In addition, folding of the newly synthesized proteins takes place in a busy environment. A system of folding helper proteins, molecular chaperones and co-chaperones, are present to maintain proper conformation and thus avoid protein aggregation and premature damage. The components of the import machinery are well characterised, but the targeting signals and how

SUBMITTER: Dimogkioka AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9041937 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature