Mitochondrial presequence translocase: switching between TOM tethering and motor recruitment involves Tim21 and Tim17

Cell. 2005 Mar 25;120(6):817-29. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2005.01.011.

Abstract

The presequence translocase of the inner mitochondrial membrane (TIM23 complex) operates at a central junction of protein import. It accepts preproteins from the outer membrane TOM complex and directs them to inner membrane insertion or, in cooperation with the presequence translocase-associated motor (PAM), to the matrix. Little is known of how the TIM23 complex coordinates these tasks. We have identified Tim21 (YGR033c) that interacts with the TOM complex. Tim21 is specific for a TIM23 form that cooperates with TOM and promotes inner membrane insertion. Protein translocation into the matrix requires a switch to a Tim21-free, PAM bound presequence translocase. Tim17 is crucial for the switch by performing two separable functions: promotion of inner membrane insertion and binding of Pam18 to form the functional TIM-PAM complex. Thus, the presequence translocase is not a static complex but switches between TOM tethering and PAM binding in a reaction cycle involving Tim21 and Tim17.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • PAM18 J protein, S cerevisiae
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • TIM17 protein, S cerevisiae
  • TIM22 protein, S cerevisiae
  • TIM23 protein, S cerevisiae
  • TIM50 protein, S cerevisiae
  • TOM22 protein, S cerevisiae