Mitochondrial Hsp70/MIM44 complex facilitates protein import

Abstract

Protein translocation into mitochondria requires the mitochondria! protein Hsp70. This molecular chaperone of the mitochondrial matrix is recruited to the protein import machinery by MIM44, a component associated with the inner membrane of the mitochondria. Formation of the mt-Hsp70/MIM44 complex is regulated by ATP. MIM44 and mt-Hsp70 interact in a sequential manner with incoming segments of unfolded preproteins and thereby facilitate stepwise vectorial translocation of proteins across the mitochondrial membranes. The complex appears to act as a molecular ratchet which is energetically driven by the hydrolysis of ATP.