Quaternary structure of the mitochondrial TIM23 complex reveals dynamic association between Tim23p and other subunits

Mol Biol Cell. 2008 Jan;19(1):159-70. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e07-07-0669. Epub 2007 Oct 24.

Abstract

Tim23p is an essential channel-forming component of the multisubunit TIM23 complex of the mitochondrial inner membrane that mediates protein import. Radiolabeled Tim23p monocysteine mutants were imported in vitro, incorporated into functional TIM23 complexes, and subjected to chemical cross-linking. Three regions of proximity between Tim23p and other subunits of the TIM23 complex were identified: Tim17p and the first transmembrane segment of Tim23p; Tim50p and the C-terminal end of the Tim23p hydrophilic region; and the entire hydrophilic domains of Tim23p molecules. These regions of proximity reversibly change in response to changes in membrane potential across the inner membrane and also when a translocating substrate is trapped in the TIM23 complex. These structural changes reveal that the macromolecular arrangement within the TIM23 complex is dynamic and varies with the physiological state of the mitochondrion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutant Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism*
  • Protein Transport / drug effects
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / drug effects
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Substrate Specificity / drug effects

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • Mutant Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • TIM23 protein, S cerevisiae