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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Reconstitution of Msp1 Extraction Activity with Fully Purified Components
Published on: August 10, 2021
Msp1 cooperates with the proteasome for extraction of arrested mitochondrial import intermediates
Marion Basch1, Mirjam Wagner1, Stéphane Rolland1
1Zell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany.
Abstract:
The mitochondrial AAA ATPase Msp1 is well known for extraction of mislocalized tail-anchored ER proteins from the mitochondrial outer membrane. Here, we analyzed the extraction of precursors blocking the import pore in the outer membrane. We demonstrate strong genetic interactions of Msp1 and the proteasome with components of the TOM complex, the main translocase in the outer membrane. Msp1 and the proteasome both contribute to the removal of arrested precursor proteins that specifically accumulate in these mutants. The proteasome activity is essential for the removal as proteasome inhibitors block extraction. Furthermore, the proteasomal subunit Rpn10 copurified with Msp1. The human Msp1 homologue has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, and we show that the lack of the Caenorhabditis elegans Msp1 homologue triggers an import stress response in the worm, which indicates a conserved role in metazoa. In summary, our results suggest a role of Msp1 as an adaptor for the proteasome that drives the extraction of arrested and mislocalized proteins at the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Insights
Mitochondrial AAA ATPase Msp1 acts with the proteasome to remove stalled protein precursors at the mitochondrial outer membrane. This interaction is crucial for protein import and suggests a conserved role in metazoan cellular stress responses.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Degradation
Background:
- Mitochondrial AAA ATPase Msp1 extracts mislocalized tail-anchored ER proteins.
- Protein import into mitochondria involves the TOM complex translocase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Msp1 in extracting protein precursors that block the mitochondrial outer membrane import pore.
- To elucidate the relationship between Msp1, the proteasome, and the TOM complex in protein import.
Main Methods:
- Genetic interaction studies involving Msp1, proteasome components, and TOM complex members.
- Analysis of arrested precursor protein accumulation in mutant strains.
- Proteasome inhibition assays.
- Co-purification of Msp1 with the proteasomal subunit Rpn10.
- Observation of import stress response in *Caenorhabditis elegans* lacking Msp1 homologue.
Main Results:
- Msp1 and the proteasome genetically interact with TOM complex components.
- Both Msp1 and the proteasome are required for removing arrested precursor proteins.
- Proteasome inhibition blocks the extraction of these arrested precursors.
- The proteasomal subunit Rpn10 was found to co-purify with Msp1.
- Loss of Msp1 homologue in *C. elegans* triggers an import stress response.
Conclusions:
- Msp1 functions as an adaptor for the proteasome to extract arrested and mislocalized proteins from the mitochondrial outer membrane.
- This mechanism highlights a conserved role for Msp1 in metazoan protein import quality control and stress response.
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