Mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import

Mitochondria import most of their proteins from the cytosol. Precursor forms of most matrix proteins as well as some IM and IMS proteins are synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes with N-terminal cleavable signal sequences. Many other mitochondrial proteins including IM carrier proteins contain internal targeting sequences. Three multisubunit translocases, one in the OM and two in the IM, participate in the import process. These translocases co-operate with cytosolic chaperones, chaperone-like soluble proteins in the IMS as well as chaperones in the matrix. Insertion of carrier proteins into the IM only requires a membrane potential. On the other hand, translocation of preproteins across the IM into the matrix requires (i) a membrane potential, (ii) GTP hydrolysis, which occurs at the outer side of the IM, and (iii) ATP-dependent interactions occurring at the matrix side. Following import, the cleavable signal sequence of most preproteins is removed in one step by the MPP. In some cases, removal of the signal sequence is achieved in two steps; first by MPP and second by either mitochondrial intermediate peptidase or by IM peptidases. Imported proteins must be folded properly to perform their functions.