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Regulated membrane remodeling by Mic60 controls formation of mitochondrial crista junctions

Authors

  • M. Hessenberger
  • R.M. Zerbes
  • H. Rampelt
  • S. Kunz
  • A.H. Xavier
  • B. Purfürst
  • H. Lilie
  • N. Pfanner
  • M. van der Laan
  • O. Daumke

Journal

  • Nature Communications

Citation

  • Nat Commun 8: 15258

Abstract

  • The mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) is crucial for the formation of crista junctions and mitochondrial inner membrane architecture. MICOS contains two core components. Mic10 shows membrane-bending activity, whereas Mic60 (mitofilin) forms contact sites between inner and outer membranes. Here we report that Mic60 deforms liposomes into thin membrane tubules and thus displays membrane-shaping activity. We identify a membrane-binding site in the soluble intermembrane space-exposed part of Mic60. This membrane-binding site is formed by a predicted amphipathic helix between the conserved coiled-coil and mitofilin domains. The mitofilin domain negatively regulates the membrane-shaping activity of Mic60. Binding of Mic19 to the mitofilin domain modulates this activity. Membrane binding and shaping by the conserved Mic60-Mic19 complex is crucial for crista junction formation, mitochondrial membrane architecture and efficient respiratory activity. Mic60 thus plays a dual role by shaping inner membrane crista junctions and forming contact sites with the outer membrane.


DOI

doi:10.1038/ncomms15258