The MitoLuc assay for the analysis of the mechanism of mitochondrial protein import

The NanoLuc split luciferase assay has proven to be a powerful tool for the analysis of protein translocation. Its flexibility has enabled in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro studies-including systems reconstituting protein transport from pure components. The assay has been particularly useful in the characterization of bacterial secretion and mitochondrial protein import. In the latter case, MitoLuc has been developed for the investigation of the TIM23-pathway via import into the matrix of isolated yeast mitochondria. Subsequent analysis identified three distinct phases of import, rather than in a single continuous step. The assay has also been developed to monitor import into the mitochondrial matrix of intact cultured cells. This latter innovation has laid the foundations for further analysis of the import process in humans, including the consequences of interactions with cytosolic factors and neighboring organelles. The versatility of the MitoLuc assay is conducive for its adaptation to also monitor import into the inter-membrane space (MIA-pathway), and into the inner-membrane via the TIM22- and TIM23-complexes. Here, we present detailed protocols for the application of MitoLuc to mitochondria isolated from yeast and to those within cultured human cells.