Mitochondrial protein import: from transport pathways to an integrated network.

15.12.2011

Becker T, Böttinger L, Pfanner N.

Trends Biochem Sci. 2012;37(3):85-91

Trends Biochem Sci.            online article

It was originally assumed that mitochondria imported precursor proteins via a general pathway but recent studies have revealed a remarkable variety of import pathways and mechanisms.
Currently, five different protein import pathways can be distinguished. However, the import machineries cooperate with each other and are connected to other systems that function in the respiratory chain, mitochondrial membrane organization, protein quality control and endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria junctions.