Work

Mitochondrial presequences are more than just address labels

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol as precursor proteins with N-terminal presequences. These presequences serve as targeting signals that facilitate the binding to mitochondrial surface receptors and translocation across the mitochondrial membranes. However, recent studies showed that presequences can be more than address tags. They can contain degradation signals recognized by components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and therefore, serve as timers that determine the lifespan of newly synthesized precursor proteins. Moreover, presequences can interact with components of the cytosolic chaperone system to prevent or delay precursor folding. Finally, presequences of some dually localized proteins contain targeting information not only for mitochondria but also for other cellular destinations such as the nuclear lumen or chloroplasts in plant cells. Thus, presequences contain multifaceted information to endow mitochondrial precursor proteins with specific properties that are critical for the early steps of mitochondrial protein biogenesis.

Source: Protein Science

DOI: 10.1002/pro.70491

Authors: Erik Marcel Heller, Svenja Lenhard, Doron Rapaport, Johannes Herrmann

Institutions: University of Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, University of Tübingen

Language: English

Topic: Mitochondrial Function and Pathology

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,480

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft