Mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of the cell, are double-membrane organelles that often form highly dynamic loose networks of tubules that frequently undergo fusion and fission, thereby continually changing the appearance of the network. The highly convoluted mitochondrial inner membrane is surrounded by the smooth outer membrane and has three contiguous domains: the inner boundary membrane that parallels the outer membrane; crista membranes, invaginations of the inner membrane that differ in shape depending on the cell type and physiological conditions; and crista junctions, narrow tubules that connect the inner boundary membrane with the cristae membrane. The mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS; previously also known as MINOS, MitOs, or MIB) is a conserved ancient hetero-oligomeric protein complex localized primarily at the crista junctions. The depletion of MICOS subunits results in a disturbed inner membrane morphology and a decreased number of crista junctions. The MICOS core component, Mic60, interacts physically with numerous proteins in the mitochondrial inner and outer membrane, thereby forming contact sites. The central coiled-coil (CC) domain of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system subunit Mic60 forms an elongated, bow tie-shaped tetrameric assembly. Here you can see the structure of the coiled-coil domain of Mic60 determined by X-ray crystallography (PDB code: 7PUZ)
#molecularart ... #immolecular ... #mitochondria ... #cristae ... #MICOS ... #Mic60 ... #xray
Structure rendered with #proteinimaging and depicted with #corelphotopaint
#molecularart ... #immolecular ... #mitochondria ... #cristae ... #MICOS ... #Mic60 ... #xray
Structure rendered with #proteinimaging and depicted with #corelphotopaint
