Interaction with AK2A links AIFM1 to cellular energy metabolism

Apoptosis-inducing factor 1 (AIFM1) is a flavoprotein essential for mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Its interaction with MIA40/CHCHD4, the central component of the mitochondrial disulfide relay, accounts for some, but not all, aspects of AIFM1 function. We provide a high-confidence AIFM1 interactome that elucidates functional partners within the mitochondrial intermembrane space. We found that AIFM1 binding to adenylate kinase 2 (AK2), an essential enzyme that maintains cellular adenine nucleotide pools, depends on the AK2 C-terminal domain. High-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical analyses showed that both MIA40 and AK2A bind the AIFM1 C-terminal β-sheet domain. Their binding enhances NADH oxidoreductase activity by locking an active dimer conformation and, in the case of MIA40, affecting the cofactor-binding site. The AIFM1-AK2A interaction is important during mitochondrial respiration because AIFM1 serves as a recruiting hub within the IMS, regulating mitochondrial bioenergetic output by creating hotspots of metabolic enzymes.