Mgr2 regulates mitochondrial preprotein import by associating with channel-forming Tim23 subunit

Mgr2, a newly identified subunit of the TIM23 complex, functions as a gatekeeper of presequence translocase and thereby maintains quality control of inner membrane preproteins sorting. However, precise recruitment of the Mgr2 subunit to the core channel and how it influences the assembly of the TIM23 complex during lateral sorting of preproteins are poorly understood. Present findings provide insights into a direct association of Mgr2 with the channel-forming Tim23 subunit. Furthermore, the mutational analysis uncovers the TM1 region of Mgr2 critically required for association with Tim23 and Tim21. On the other hand, the TM2 region of Mgr2 is involved in bridging respiratory complexes to the TIM23 complex via Tim21. Importantly, both TM regions of Mgr2 are essential for lateral sorting of preprotein into the inner membrane, as well as maintaining mitochondrial morphology. Together, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the role of Mgr2 in regulating the dynamicity of the TIM23 complex assembly required for preprotein import and coupling of respiratory pathways.