Distinct roles of the two isoforms of the dynamin-like GTPase Mgm1 in mitochondrial fusion

FEBS Lett. 2009 Jul 7;583(13):2237-43. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.05.053. Epub 2009 Jun 6.

Abstract

The mitochondrial dynamin-like GTPase Mgm1 exists as a long (l-Mgm1) and a short isoform (s-Mgm1). They both are essential for mitochondrial fusion. Here we show that the isoforms interact in a homotypic and heterotypic manner. Their submitochondrial distribution between inner boundary membrane and cristae was markedly different. Overexpression of l-Mgm1 exerts a dominant negative effect on mitochondrial fusion. A functional GTPase domain is required only in s-Mgm1 but not in l-Mgm1. We propose that l-Mgm1 acts primarily as an anchor in the inner membrane that in concert with the GTPase activity of s-Mgm1 mediates the fusion of inner membranes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dynamins / chemistry
  • Dynamins / metabolism
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Fusion / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • MGM1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Dynamins