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Related Concept Videos

Mitochondrial Protein Sorting01:39

Mitochondrial Protein Sorting

Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles of the eukaryotes involved in cellular metabolism, signaling, ATP synthesis, and programmed cell death.  Each of these processes requires specific proteins and enzymes that must be correctly sorted to the right mitochondrial subcompartment for the proper functioning of the organelle.
Most of these mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nucleus and imported to the mitochondria as unfolded or loosely folded precursors. Mitochondrial precursors...
Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:34

Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

Nuclear encoded mitochondrial precursors are imported to the inner membrane in a multistep process involving two separate translocons, TIM22 and TIM23. TIM23 is a cation-selective pore that remains closed by the N terminal segment of the protein. Negative charges on the TIM23 act as a receptor for the incoming precursor, pulling the positively charged matrix-targeting sequence for peptide insertion and translocation.
Transport of mitochondrial precursors across the TIM23 channel is driven by...
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria01:19

Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria

Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling01:16

Calmodulin-dependent Signaling

Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium-binding protein in eukaryotes that controls various calcium-regulated cellular processes. It has four calcium-binding sites that bind calcium to form the calcium-calmodulin ( Ca2+-CaM) complex. GPCR stimulation increases the calcium levels in the cells that bind to CaM and induces a conformational change.
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Energy to Drive Translocation01:37

Energy to Drive Translocation

Mitochondrial protein import is powered by two distinct energy sources: ATP hydrolysis and electrochemical potential across the inner membrane. Newly synthesized precursors are bound by cytosolic chaperones of the Hsp70 family, which guide them to the import receptors on the mitochondrial surface. Utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis, Hsp70 chaperones transfer these precursors to the TOM receptors on the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Analyses of Mitochondrial Calcium Influx in Isolated Mitochondria and Cultured Cells
08:29

Analyses of Mitochondrial Calcium Influx in Isolated Mitochondria and Cultured Cells

Published on: April 27, 2018

The Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter: From Parts to Signaling Networks.

Hilda Delgado de la Herran1, Michael Feng1, Margarita Chudenkova1,2

  • 1Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich 80331, Germany.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|June 29, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Mitochondria regulate cell functions by taking up calcium (Ca2+). The discovery of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) has revealed its crucial role in health and disease, enabling new research avenues.

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The Use of the Patch-Clamp Technique to Study the Thermogenic Capacity of Mitochondria
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The Use of the Patch-Clamp Technique to Study the Thermogenic Capacity of Mitochondria

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Analyses of Mitochondrial Calcium Influx in Isolated Mitochondria and Cultured Cells
08:29

Analyses of Mitochondrial Calcium Influx in Isolated Mitochondria and Cultured Cells

Published on: April 27, 2018

Simultaneous Measurement of Mitochondrial Calcium and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Live Cells by Fluorescent Microscopy
08:43

Simultaneous Measurement of Mitochondrial Calcium and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Live Cells by Fluorescent Microscopy

Published on: January 24, 2017

The Use of the Patch-Clamp Technique to Study the Thermogenic Capacity of Mitochondria
11:05

The Use of the Patch-Clamp Technique to Study the Thermogenic Capacity of Mitochondria

Published on: May 3, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Mitochondria are key signaling hubs adapting to metabolic needs for cell homeostasis.
  • Mitochondrial calcium uptake (mt-Ca2+) regulates energy production, cell death, and signaling.
  • The proteins mediating mt-Ca2+ uptake were unknown for decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical discovery and molecular understanding of mitochondrial calcium uptake.
  • To highlight the role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) in cellular functions.
  • To discuss recent advances in MCUC regulation, integration, and therapeutic targeting.

Main Methods:

  • Historical literature review.
  • Analysis of molecular and genetic studies on MCUC.
  • Synthesis of recent research on MCUC function and pharmacology.

Main Results:

  • The MCUC has been identified as the primary mediator of mitochondrial calcium uptake.
  • MCUC plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes.
  • Significant progress has been made in understanding MCUC regulation and its integration into cellular networks.

Conclusions:

  • The discovery of MCUC revolutionized the study of mitochondrial calcium handling.
  • MCUC is a promising target for pharmacological interventions in various diseases.
  • Future research will focus on MCUC's precise roles and therapeutic potential.