Association of the Tim14.Tim16 subcomplex with the TIM23 translocase is crucial for function of the mitochondrial protein import motor

Structural insights into GrpEL1-mediated nucleotide and substrate release of human mitochondrial Hsp70

Maintenance of protein homeostasis is necessary for cell viability and depends on a complex network of chaperones and co-chaperones, including the heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) system. In human mitochondria, mitochondrial Hsp70 (mortalin) and the nucleotide exchange factor (GrpEL1) work synergistically to stabilize proteins, assemble protein complexes, and facilitate protein import. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms guiding these processes is hampered by limited structural information. To elucidate these mechanistic details, we used cryoEM to determine the first structures of full-length human mortalin-GrpEL1 complexes in previously unobserved states. Our structures and molecular dynamics simulations allow us to delineate specific roles for mortalin-GrpEL1 interfaces and to identify steps in GrpEL1-mediated nucleotide and substrate release by mortalin. Subsequent analyses reveal conserved mechanisms across bacteria and mammals and facilitate a complete understanding of sequential nucleotide and substrate release for the Hsp70 chaperone system.

Two domains of Tim50 coordinate translocation of proteins across the two mitochondrial membranes

Hundreds of mitochondrial proteins with N-terminal presequences are translocated across the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes via the TOM and TIM23 complexes, respectively. How translocation of proteins across two mitochondrial membranes is coordinated is largely unknown. Here, we show that the two domains of Tim50 in the intermembrane space, named core and PBD, both have essential roles in this process. Building upon the surprising observation that the two domains of Tim50 can complement each other in trans, we establish that the core domain contains the main presequence-binding site and serves as the main recruitment point to the TIM23 complex. On the other hand, the PBD plays, directly or indirectly, a critical role in cooperation of the TOM and TIM23 complexes and supports the receptor function of Tim50. Thus, the two domains of Tim50 both have essential but distinct roles and together coordinate translocation of proteins across two mitochondrial membranes.

Transmembrane Coordination of Preprotein Recognition and Motor Coupling by the Mitochondrial Presequence Receptor Tim50

Mitochondrial preproteins contain amino-terminal presequences directing them to the presequence translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM23 complex). Depending on additional downstream import signals, TIM23 either inserts preproteins into the inner membrane or translocates them into the matrix. Matrix import requires the coupling of the presequence translocase-associated motor (PAM) to TIM23. The molecular mechanisms coordinating preprotein recognition by TIM23 in the intermembrane space (IMS) with PAM activation in the matrix are unknown. Here we show that subsequent to presequence recognition in the IMS, the Tim50 matrix domain facilitates the recruitment of the coupling factor Pam17. Next, the IMS domain of Tim50 promotes PAM recruitment to TIM23. Finally, the Tim50 transmembrane segment stimulates the matrix-directed import-driving force exerted by PAM. We propose that recognition of preprotein segments in the IMS and transfer of signal information across the inner membrane by Tim50 determine import motor activation.

How to get to the other side of the mitochondrial inner membrane – the protein import motor

Biogenesis of mitochondria relies on import of more than 1000 different proteins from the cytosol. Approximately 70% of these proteins follow the presequence pathway – they are synthesized with cleavable N-terminal extensions called presequences and reach the final place of their function within the organelle with the help of the TOM and TIM23 complexes in the outer and inner membranes, respectively. The translocation of proteins along the presequence pathway is powered by the import motor of the TIM23 complex. The import motor of the TIM23 complex is localized at the matrix face of the inner membrane and is likely the most complicated Hsp70-based system identified to date. How it converts the energy of ATP hydrolysis into unidirectional translocation of proteins into mitochondria remains one of the biggest mysteries of this translocation pathway. Here, the knowns and the unknowns of the mitochondrial protein import motor are discussed.

Mitochondrial presequence import: Multiple regulatory knobs fine-tune mitochondrial biogenesis and homeostasis

Mitochondria are pivotal organelles for cellular signaling and metabolism, and their dysfunction leads to severe cellular stress. About 60-70% of the mitochondrial proteome consists of preproteins synthesized in the cytosol with an amino-terminal cleavable presequence targeting signal. The TIM23 complex transports presequence signals towards the mitochondrial matrix. Ultimately, the mature protein segments are either transported into the matrix or sorted to the inner membrane. To ensure accurate preprotein import into distinct mitochondrial sub-compartments, the TIM23 machinery adopts specific functional conformations and interacts with different partner complexes. Regulatory subunits modulate the translocase dynamics, tailoring the import reaction to the incoming preprotein. The mitochondrial membrane potential and the ATP generated via oxidative phosphorylation are key energy sources in driving the presequence import pathway. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunctions have rapid repercussions on biogenesis. Cellular mechanisms exploit the presequence import pathway to monitor mitochondrial dysfunctions and mount transcriptional and proteostatic responses to restore functionality.

Hsp70 at the membrane: driving protein translocation

Efficient movement of proteins across membranes is required for cell health. The translocation process is particularly challenging when the channel in the membrane through which proteins must pass is narrow—such as those in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Hsp70 molecular chaperones play roles on both sides of these membranes, ensuring efficient translocation of proteins synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes into the interior of these organelles. The “import motor” in the mitochondrial matrix, which is essential for driving the movement of proteins across the mitochondrial inner membrane, is arguably the most complex Hsp70-based system in the cell.

Mitochondrial protein import in trypanosomes: Expect the unexpected

Mitochondria have many different functions, the most important one of which is oxidative phosphorylation. They originated from an endosymbiotic event between a bacterium and an archaeal host cell. It was the evolution of a protein import system that marked the boundary between the endosymbiotic ancestor of the mitochondrion and a true organelle that is under the control of the nucleus. In present day mitochondria more than 95% of all proteins are imported from the cytosol in a proces mediated by hetero-oligomeric protein complexes in the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. In this review we compare mitochondrial protein import in the best studied model system yeast and the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. The 2 organisms are phylogenetically only remotely related. Despite the fact that mitochondrial protein import has the same function in both species, only very few subunits of their import machineries are conserved. Moreover, while yeast has 2 inner membrane protein translocases, one specialized for presequence-containing and one for mitochondrial carrier proteins, T. brucei has a single inner membrane translocase only, that mediates import of both types of substrates. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.

Functional Diversity of Human Mitochondrial J-proteins Is Independent of Their Association with the Inner Membrane Presequence Translocase

Mitochondrial J-proteins play a critical role in governing Hsp70 activity and, hence, are essential for organellar protein translocation and folding. In contrast to yeast, which has a single J-protein Pam18, humans involve two J-proteins, DnaJC15 and DnaJC19, associated with contrasting cellular phenotype, to transport proteins into the mitochondria. Mutation in DnaJC19 results in dilated cardiomyopathy and ataxia syndrome, whereas expression of DnaJC15 regulates the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. In the present study we have comparatively assessed the biochemical properties of the J-protein paralogs in relation to their association with the import channel. Both DnaJC15 and DnaJC19 formed two distinct subcomplexes with Magmas at the import channel. Knockdown analysis suggested an essential role for Magmas and DnaJC19 in organellar protein translocation and mitochondria biogenesis, whereas DnaJC15 had dispensable supportive function. The J-proteins were found to have equal affinity for Magmas and could stimulate mitochondrial Hsp70 ATPase activity by equivalent levels. Interestingly, we observed that DnaJC15 exhibits bifunctional properties. At the translocation channel, it involves conserved interactions and mechanism to translocate the precursors into mitochondria. In addition to protein transport, DnaJC15 also showed a dual role in yeast where its expression elicited enhanced sensitivity of cells to cisplatin that required the presence of a functional J-domain. The amount of DnaJC15 expressed in the cell was directly proportional to the sensitivity of cells. Our analysis indicates that the differential cellular phenotype displayed by human mitochondrial J-proteins is independent of their activity and association with Magmas at the translocation channel.

Role of membrane contact sites in protein import into mitochondria

Mitochondria import more than 1,000 different proteins from the cytosol. The proteins are synthesized as precursors on cytosolic ribosomes and are translocated by protein transport machineries of the mitochondrial membranes. Five main pathways for protein import into mitochondria have been identified. Most pathways use the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) as the entry gate into mitochondria. Depending on specific signals contained in the precursors, the proteins are subsequently transferred to different intramitochondrial translocases. In this article, we discuss the connection between protein import and mitochondrial membrane architecture. Mitochondria possess two membranes. It is a long-standing question how contact sites between outer and inner membranes are formed and which role the contact sites play in the translocation of precursor proteins. A major translocation contact site is formed between the TOM complex and the presequence translocase of the inner membrane (TIM23 complex), promoting transfer of presequence-carrying preproteins to the mitochondrial inner membrane and matrix. Recent findings led to the identification of contact sites that involve the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) of the inner membrane. MICOS plays a dual role. It is crucial for maintaining the inner membrane cristae architecture and forms contacts sites to the outer membrane that promote translocation of precursor proteins into the intermembrane space and outer membrane of mitochondria. The view is emerging that the mitochondrial protein translocases do not function as independent units, but are embedded in a network of interactions with machineries that control mitochondrial activity and architecture.

The evolution and function of co-chaperones in mitochondria

Mitochondrial chaperones mediate and affect critical organellar processes, essential for cellular function. These chaperone systems have both prokaryotic and eukaryotic features. While some of the mitochondrial co-chaperones have clear homologues in prokaryotes, some are unique to eukaryotes and have no homologues in the chaperone machinery of other cellular compartments. The mitochondrial co-chaperones are required for protein import into the organelle and in enforcing the structure of the main chaperones. In addition to novel types of interaction with their senior partners, unexpected and essential interactions between the co-chaperones themselves have recently been described.

Architecture of the TIM23 inner mitochondrial translocon and interactions with the matrix import motor

Translocation of proteins from the cytosol across the mitochondrial inner membrane is driven by action of the matrix-localized multi-subunit import motor, which is associated with the TIM23 translocon. The architecture of the import apparatus is not well understood. Here, we report results of site-specific in vivo photocross-linking along with genetic and coimmunoprecipitation analyses dissecting interactions between import motor subunits and the translocon. The translocon is composed of the two integral membrane proteins Tim23 and Tim17, each containing four membrane-spanning segments. We found that Tim23 having a photoactivatable cross-linker in the matrix exposed loop between transmembrane domains 1 and 2 (loop 1) cross-linked to Tim44. Alterations in this loop destabilized interaction of Tim44 with the translocon. Analogously, Tim17 having a photoactivatable cross-linker in the matrix exposed loop between transmembrane segments 1 and 2 (loop 1) cross-linked to Pam17. Alterations in this loop caused destabilization of the interaction of Pam17 with the translocon. Substitution of individual photoactivatable residues in Tim44 and Pam17 in regions we previously identified as important for translocon association resulted in cross-linking to Tim23 and Tim17, respectively. Our results are consistent with a model in which motor association is achieved via interaction of Tim23 with Tim44, which serves as a scaffold for association of other motor components, and of Tim17 with Pam17. As both Tim44 and Pam17 have been implicated as regulatory subunits of the motor, this positioning is conducive for responding to conformational changes in the translocon upon a translocating polypeptide entering the channel.

Mge1, a nucleotide exchange factor of Hsp70, acts as an oxidative sensor to regulate mitochondrial Hsp70 function

Yeast Mge1, the cochaperone of mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mHsp70), is essential for exchanging ATP for ADP on mHsp70 and thus for recycling of mHsp70 for mitochondrial protein import and folding. Mge1 acts as an oxidative sensor to regulate mHsp70 function.

Despite the growing evidence of the role of oxidative stress in disease, its molecular mechanism of action remains poorly understood. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a valuable model system in which to elucidate the effects of oxidative stress on mitochondria in higher eukaryotes. Dimeric yeast Mge1, the cochaperone of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), is essential for exchanging ATP for ADP on Hsp70 and thus for recycling of Hsp70 for mitochondrial protein import and folding. Here we show an oxidative stress–dependent decrease in Mge1 dimer formation accompanied by a concomitant decrease in Mge1–Hsp70 complex formation in vitro. The Mge1-M155L substitution mutant stabilizes both Mge1 dimer and Mge1–Hsp70 complex formation. Most important, the Mge1-M155L mutant rescues the slow-growth phenomenon associated with the wild-type Mge1 strain in the presence of H₂O₂ in vivo, stimulation of the ATPase activity of Hsp70, and the protein import defect during oxidative stress in vitro. Furthermore, cross-linking studies reveal that Mge1–Hsp70 complex formation in mitochondria isolated from wild-type Mge1 cells is more susceptible to reactive oxygen species compared with mitochondria from Mge1-M155L cells. This novel oxidative sensor capability of yeast Mge1 might represent an evolutionarily conserved function, given that human recombinant dimeric Mge1 is also sensitive to H₂O₂.

The yeast magmas ortholog pam16 has an essential function in fermentative growth that involves sphingolipid metabolism

Magmas is a growth factor responsive gene encoding an essential mitochondrial protein in mammalian cells. Pam16, the Magmas ortholog in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a component of the presequence translocase-associated motor. A temperature-sensitive allele (pam16-I61N) was used to query an array of non-essential gene-deletion strains for synthetic genetic interactions. The pam16-I61N mutation at ambient temperature caused synthetic lethal or sick phenotypes with genes involved in lipid metabolism, perixosome synthesis, histone deacetylation and mitochondrial protein import. The gene deletion array was also screened for suppressors of the pam16-I61N growth defect to identify compensatory pathways. Five suppressor genes were identified (SUR4, ISC1, IPT1, SKN1, and FEN1) and all are involved in sphingolipid metabolism. pam16-I61N cells cultured in glucose at non-permissive temperatures resulted in rapid growth inhibition and G1 cell cycle arrest, but cell viability was maintained. Altered mitochondria morphology, reduced peroxisome induction in glycerol/ethanol and oleate, and changes in the levels of several sphingolipids including C18 alpha-hydroxy-phytoceramide, were also observed in the temperature sensitive strain. Deletion of SUR4, the strongest suppressor, reversed the temperature sensitive fermentative growth defect, the morphological changes and the elevated levels of C18 alpha-hydroxy phytoceramide in pam16-I61N. Deletion of the other four suppressor genes had similar effects on C18 alpha-hydroxy-phytoceramide levels and restored proliferation to the pam16-I61N strain. In addition, pam16-I61N inhibited respiratory growth, likely by reducing cardiolipin, which is essential for mitochondrial function. Our results suggest that the pleiotropic effects caused by impaired Pam16/Magmas function are mediated in part by changes in lipid metabolism.

A Mitochondrial Odyssey

Good fortune let me be an innocent child during World War II, a hopeful adolescent with encouraging parents during the years of German recovery, and a self-determined adult in a period of peace, freedom, and wealth. My luck continued as a scientist who could entirely follow his fancy. My mind was always set on understanding how things are made. At a certain point, I found myself confronted with the question of how mitochondria and organelles, which cannot be formed de novo, are put together. Intracellular transport of proteins, their translocation across the mitochondrial membranes, and their folding and assembly were the processes that fascinated me. Now, after some 30 years, we have wonderful insights, unimagined views of a complex and at the same time simple machinery and its workings. We have glimpses of how orderly processes are established in the cell to assemble from single molecules our beautiful mitochondria that every day make some 50 kg of ATP for each of us. At the same time, we have learned amazing lessons from the tinkering of evolution that developed mitochondria from bacteria.

Mitochondrial protein import: common principles and physiological networks

Most mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus. They are synthesized as precursor forms in the cytosol and must be imported into mitochondria with the help of different protein translocases. Distinct import signals within precursors direct each protein to the mitochondrial surface and subsequently onto specific transport routes to its final destination within these organelles. In this review we highlight common principles of mitochondrial protein import and address different mechanisms of protein integration into mitochondrial membranes. Over the last years it has become clear that mitochondrial protein translocases are not independently operating units, but in fact closely cooperate with each other. We discuss recent studies that indicate how the pathways for mitochondrial protein biogenesis are embedded into a functional network of various other physiological processes, such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and maintenance of mitochondrial morphology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Import and Quality Control in Mitochondria and Plastids.

Genetic analysis of complex interactions among components of the mitochondrial import motor and translocon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A highly conserved, Hsp70-based, import motor, which is associated with the translocase on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane, is critical for protein translocation into the matrix. Hsp70 is tethered to the translocon via interaction with Tim44. Pam18, the J-protein co-chaperone, and Pam16, a structurally related protein with which Pam18 forms a heterodimer, are also critical components of the motor. Their N termini are important for the heterodimer's translocon association, with Pam18's and Pam16's N termini interacting in the intermembrane space and the matrix, respectively. Here, using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we report the identification of an N-terminal segment of Tim44, important for association of Pam16 with the translocon. We also report that higher amounts of Pam17, a nonessential motor component, are found associated with the translocon in both PAM16 and TIM44 mutants that affect their interaction with one another. These TIM44 and PAM16 mutations are also synthetically lethal with a deletion of PAM17. In contrast, a deletion of PAM17 has little, or no genetic interaction with a PAM18 mutation that affects translocon association of the Pam16:Pam18 heterodimer, suggesting a second role for the Pam16:Tim44 interaction. A similar pattern of genetic interactions and enhanced Pam17 translocon association was observed in the absence of the C terminus of Tim17, a core component of the translocon. We suggest the Pam16:Tim44 interaction may play two roles: (1) tethering the Pam16:Pam18 heterodimer to the translocon and (2) positioning the import motor for efficient engagement with the translocating polypeptide along with Tim17 and Pam17.

Reevaluation of the role of the Pam18:Pam16 interaction in translocation of proteins by the mitochondrial Hsp70-based import motor

Pam18, the J-protein cochaperone of the Hsp70-based mitochondrial import motor, forms a heterodimer with the structurally related protein Pam16. Genetic and biochemical studies suggest a critical role of this interaction in maintaining Pam18's association with the translocon rather than its previously proposed regulatory role.

The heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70)–based import motor, associated with the translocon on the matrix side of the mitochondrial inner membrane, drives translocation of proteins via cycles of binding and release. Stimulation of Hsp70's ATPase activity by the translocon-associated J-protein Pam18 is critical for this process. Pam18 forms a heterodimer with the structurally related protein Pam16, via their J-type domains. This interaction has been proposed to perform a critical regulatory function, inhibiting the ATPase stimulatory activity of Pam18. Using biochemical and genetic assays, we tested this hypothesis by assessing the in vivo function of Pam18 variants having altered abilities to stimulate Hsp70's ATPase activity. The observed pattern of genetic interactions was opposite from that predicted if the heterodimer serves an inhibitory function; instead the pattern was consistent with that of mutations known to cause reduction in the stability of the heterodimer. Analysis of a previously uncharacterized region of Pam16 revealed its requirement for formation of an active Pam18:Pam16 complex able to stimulate Hsp70's ATPase activity. Together, our data are consistent with the idea that Pam18 and Pam16 form a stable heterodimer and that the critical role of the Pam18:Pam16 interaction is the physical tethering of Pam18 to the translocon via its interaction with Pam16.

Role of the import motor in insertion of transmembrane segments by the mitochondrial TIM23 complex

The TIM23 complex mediates translocation of proteins across, and their lateral insertion into, the mitochondrial inner membrane. Translocation of proteins requires both the membrane-embedded core of the complex and its ATP-dependent import motor. Insertion of some proteins, however, occurs in the absence of ATP, questioning the need for the import motor during lateral insertion. We show here that the import motor associates with laterally inserted proteins even when its ATPase activity is not required. Furthermore, our results suggest a role for the import motor in lateral insertion. Thus, the import motor is involved in ATP-dependent translocation and ATP-independent lateral insertion.

Ancient gene duplication provided a key molecular step for anaerobic growth of Baker's yeast

Mitochondria are essential organelles required for a number of key cellular processes. As most mitochondrial proteins are nuclear encoded, their efficient translocation into the organelle is critical. Transport of proteins across the inner membrane is driven by a multicomponent, matrix-localized "import motor," which is based on the activity of the molecular chaperone Hsp70 and a J-protein cochaperone. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two paralogous J-proteins, Pam18 and Mdj2, can form the import motor. Both contain transmembrane and matrix domains, with Pam18 having an additional intermembrane space (IMS) domain. Evolutionary analyses revealed that the origin of the IMS domain of S. cerevisiae Pam18 coincides with a gene duplication event that generated the PAM18/MDJ2 gene pair. The duplication event and origin of the Pam18 IMS domain occurred at the relatively ancient divergence of the fungal subphylum Saccharomycotina. The timing of the duplication event also corresponds with a number of additional functional changes related to mitochondrial function and respiration. Physiological and genetic studies revealed that the IMS domain of Pam18 is required for efficient growth under anaerobic conditions, even though it is dispensable when oxygen is present. Thus, the gene duplication was beneficial for growth capacity under particular environmental conditions as well as diversification of the import motor components.

The HSP70 chaperone machinery: J proteins as drivers of functional specificity

Heat shock 70 kDa proteins (HSP70s) are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that function in a myriad of biological processes, modulating polypeptide folding, degradation and translocation across membranes, and protein-protein interactions. This multitude of roles is not easily reconciled with the universality of the activity of HSP70s in ATP-dependent client protein-binding and release cycles. Much of the functional diversity of the HSP70s is driven by a diverse class of cofactors: J proteins. Often, multiple J proteins function with a single HSP70. Some target HSP70 activity to clients at precise locations in cells and others bind client proteins directly, thereby delivering specific clients to HSP70 and directly determining their fate.

Understanding the molecular mechanism of protein translocation across the mitochondrial inner membrane: still a long way to go

In order to reach the final place of their function, approximately half of the proteins in any eukaryotic cell have to be transported across or into one of the membranes in the cell. In this article, we present an overview of our current knowledge concerning the structural properties of the TIM23 complex and their relationship with the molecular mechanism of protein transport across the mitochondrial inner membrane. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Protein translocation across or insertion into membranes.

The many faces of the mitochondrial TIM23 complex

The TIM23 complex in the inner membrane of mitochondria mediates import of essentially all matrix proteins and a large number of inner membrane proteins. Here we present an overview on the latest insights into the structure and function of this remarkable molecular machine.

On the mechanism of preprotein import by the mitochondrial presequence translocase

Mitochondria are organelles of endosymbiontic origin that contain more than one thousand different proteins. The vast majority of these proteins is synthesized in the cytosol and imported into one of four mitochondrial subcompartments: outer membrane, intermembrane space, inner membrane and matrix. Several import pathways exist and are committed to different classes of precursor proteins. The presequence translocase of the inner mitochondrial membrane (TIM23 complex) mediates import of precursor proteins with cleavable amino-terminal presequences. Presequences direct precursors across the inner membrane. The combination of this presequence with adjacent regions determines if a precursor is fully translocated into the matrix or laterally sorted into the inner mitochondrial membrane. The membrane-embedded TIM23(SORT) complex mediates the membrane potential-dependent membrane insertion of precursor proteins with a stop-transfer sequence downstream of the mitochondrial targeting signal. In contrast, translocation of precursor proteins into the matrix requires the recruitment of the presequence translocase-associated motor (PAM) to the TIM23 complex. This ATP-driven import motor consists of mitochondrial Hsp70 and several membrane-associated co-chaperones. These two structurally and functionally distinct forms of the TIM23 complex (TIM23(SORT) and TIM23(MOTOR)) are in a dynamic equilibrium with each other. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of matrix translocation and membrane insertion by the TIM23 machinery.

Role of Magmas in protein transport and human mitochondria biogenesis

Magmas, a conserved mammalian protein essential for eukaryotic development, is overexpressed in prostate carcinomas and cells exposed to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Reduced Magmas expression resulted in decreased proliferative rates in cultured cells. However, the cellular function of Magmas is still elusive. In this report, we have showed that human Magmas is an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pam16 having similar functions and is critical for protein translocation across mitochondrial inner membrane. Human Magmas shows a complete growth complementation of Δpam16 yeast cells at all temperatures. On the basis of our analysis, we report that Magmas localizes into mitochondria and is peripherally associated with inner mitochondrial membrane in yeast and humans. Magmas forms a stable subcomplex with J-protein Pam18 or DnaJC19 through its C-terminal region and is tethered to TIM23 complex of yeast and humans. Importantly, amino acid alterations in Magmas leads to reduced stability of the subcomplex with Pam18 that results in temperature sensitivity and in vivo protein translocation defects in yeast cells. These observations highlight the central role of Magmas in protein import and mitochondria biogenesis. In humans, absence of a functional DnaJC19 leads to dilated cardiac myophathic syndrome (DCM), a genetic disorder with characteristic features of cardiac myophathy and neurodegeneration. We propose that the mutations resulting in decreased stability of functional Magmas:DnaJC19 subcomplex at human TIM23 channel leads to impaired protein import and cellular respiration in DCM patients. Together, we propose a model showing how Magmas:DnaJC19 subcomplex is associated with TIM23 complex and thus regulates mitochondrial import process.

Ups1p and Ups2p antagonistically regulate cardiolipin metabolism in mitochondria

Cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid composed of four fatty acid chains, is located mainly in the mitochondrial inner membrane (IM). Cardiolipin is required for the integrity of several protein complexes in the IM, including the TIM23 translocase, a dynamic complex which mediates protein import into the mitochondria through interactions with the import motor presequence translocase–associated motor (PAM). In this study, we report that two homologous intermembrane space proteins, Ups1p and Ups2p, control cardiolipin metabolism and affect the assembly state of TIM23 and its association with PAM in an opposing manner. In ups1Δ mitochondria, cardiolipin levels were decreased, and the TIM23 translocase showed altered conformation and decreased association with PAM, leading to defects in mitochondrial protein import. Strikingly, loss of Ups2p restored normal cardiolipin levels and rescued TIM23 defects in ups1Δ mitochondria. Furthermore, we observed synthetic growth defects in ups mutants in combination with loss of Pam17p, which controls the integrity of PAM. Our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for the regulation of cardiolipin metabolism.

Residues of Tim44 involved in both association with the translocon of the inner mitochondrial membrane and regulation of mitochondrial Hsp70 tethering

Translocation of proteins from the cytosol across the mitochondrial inner membrane is driven by the action of the import motor, which is associated with the translocon on the matrix side of the membrane. It is well established that an essential peripheral membrane protein, Tim44, tethers mitochondrial Hsp70 (mtHsp70), the core of the import motor, to the translocon. This Tim44-mtHsp70 interaction, which can be recapitulated in vitro, is destabilized by binding of mtHsp70 to a substrate polypeptide. Here we report that the N-terminal 167-amino-acid segment of mature Tim44 is sufficient for both interaction with mtHsp70 and destabilization of a Tim44-mtHsp70 complex caused by client protein binding. Amino acid alterations within a 30-amino-acid segment affected both the release of mtHsp70 upon peptide binding and the interaction of Tim44 with the translocon. Our results support the idea that Tim44 plays multiple roles in mitochondrial protein import by recruiting Ssc1 and its J protein cochaperone to the translocon and coordinating their interactions to promote efficient protein translocation in vivo.

Mitochondrial protein import motor: differential role of Tim44 in the recruitment of Pam17 and J-complex to the presequence translocase

The presequence translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM23 complex) mediates the import of preproteins with amino-terminal presequences. To drive matrix translocation the TIM23 complex recruits the presequence translocase-associated motor (PAM) with the matrix heat shock protein 70 (mtHsp70) as central subunit. Activity and localization of mtHsp70 are regulated by four membrane-associated cochaperones: the adaptor protein Tim44, the stimulatory J-complex Pam18/Pam16, and Pam17. It has been proposed that Tim44 serves as molecular platform to localize mtHsp70 and the J-complex at the TIM23 complex, but it is unknown how Pam17 interacts with the translocase. We generated conditional tim44 yeast mutants and selected a mutant allele, which differentially affects the association of PAM modules with TIM23. In tim44-804 mitochondria, the interaction of the J-complex with the TIM23 complex is impaired, whereas unexpectedly the binding of Pam17 is increased. Pam17 interacts with the channel protein Tim23, revealing a new interaction site between TIM23 and PAM. Thus, the motor PAM is composed of functional modules that bind to different sites of the translocase. We suggest that Tim44 is not simply a scaffold for binding of motor subunits but plays a differential role in the recruitment of PAM modules to the inner membrane translocase.

Sorting switch of mitochondrial presequence translocase involves coupling of motor module to respiratory chain

The mitochondrial presequence translocase transports preproteins to either matrix or inner membrane. Two different translocase forms have been identified: the matrix transport form, which binds the heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) motor, and the inner membrane–sorting form, which lacks the motor but contains translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 21 (Tim21). The sorting form interacts with the respiratory chain in a Tim21-dependent manner. It is unknown whether the respiratory chain–bound translocase transports preproteins and how the switch between sorting form and motor form occurs. We report that the respiratory chain–bound translocase contains preproteins in transit and, surprisingly, not only sorted but also matrix-targeted preproteins. Presequence translocase-associated motor (Pam) 16 and 18, two regulatory components of the six-subunit motor, interact with the respiratory chain independently of Tim21. Thus, the respiratory chain–bound presequence translocase is not only active in preprotein sorting to the inner membrane but also in an early stage of matrix translocation. The motor does not assemble en bloc with the translocase but apparently in a step-wise manner with the Pam16/18 module before the Hsp70 core.

Interaction of the J-protein heterodimer Pam18/Pam16 of the mitochondrial import motor with the translocon of the inner membrane

Import of proteins across the inner mitochondrial membrane through the Tim23:Tim17 translocase requires the function of an essential import motor having mitochondrial 70-kDa heat-shock protein (mtHsp70) at its core. The heterodimer composed of Pam18, the J-protein partner of mtHsp70, and the related protein Pam16 is a critical component of this motor. We report that three interactions contribute to association of the heterodimer with the translocon: the N terminus of Pam16 with the matrix side of the translocon, the inner membrane space domain of Pam18 (Pam18(IMS)) with Tim17, and the direct interaction of the J-domain of Pam18 with the J-like domain of Pam16. Pam16 plays a major role in translocon association, as alterations affecting the stability of the Pam18:Pam16 heterodimer dramatically affect association of Pam18, but not Pam16, with the translocon. Suppressors of the growth defects caused by alterations in the N terminus of Pam16 were isolated and found to be due to mutations in a short segment of TIM44, the gene encoding the peripheral membrane protein that tethers mtHsp70 to the translocon. These data suggest a model in which Tim44 serves as a scaffold for precise positioning of mtHsp70 and its cochaperone Pam18 at the translocon.

Cooperation of translocase complexes in mitochondrial protein import

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and imported into one of the four mitochondrial compartments: outer membrane, intermembrane space, inner membrane, and matrix. Each compartment contains protein complexes that interact with precursor proteins and promote their transport. These translocase complexes do not act as independent units but cooperate with each other and further membrane complexes in a dynamic manner. We propose that a regulated coupling of translocases is important for the coordination of preprotein translocation and efficient sorting to intramitochondrial compartments.

Mitochondrial protein-import machinery: correlating structure with function

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol, translocated into the organelle and directed along specific sorting pathways. Over the past 20 years, >30 proteins have been identified as having key roles in mitochondrial protein import. Recently, the elucidation of the structures of several import components has provided fresh insight into the import process. Here, we review the different pathways involved in sorting proteins into mitochondrial subcompartments. Along the way, we highlight the available structural information about the protein-import machinery and discuss how these structures correlate with previously ascribed functions. Future challenges for the cell biologists will be to use this structural information to test specific hypotheses addressing the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import.