Figure 12–19 The subcompartments of mitochondria and chloroplasts. in contrast to the cristae of mitochondria (a), the thylakoids of chloroplasts (B) are not connected to the inner membrane and therefore form a sealed compartment with a separate internal space.
Proteins imported into mitochondria are usually taken up from the cytosol within seconds or minutes of their release from ribosomes. Thus, in contrast to protein translocation into the ER, which often takes place simultaneously with translation by a ribosome docked on the rough ER membrane (described later), mitochondrial proteins are first fully synthesized as mitochondrial precursor proteins in the cytosol and then translocated into mitochondria by a post-translational mechanism. One or more signal sequences direct all mitochondrial precursor proteins to their appropriate mitochondrial subcompartment. Many proteins entering the matrix space contain a signal sequence at their N-terminus that a signal peptidase rapidly removes after import. Other imported proteins, including all outer membrane and many inner membrane and intermembrane space proteins, have internal signal sequences that are not removed. The signal sequences are both necessary and sufficient for the import and correct localization of the proteins: when genetic engineering techniques are used to link these signals to a cytosolic protein, the signals direct the protein to the correct mitochondrial subcompartment.
The signal sequences that direct precursor proteins into the mitochondrial matrix space are best understood. They all form an amphiphilic α helix, in which positively charged residues cluster on one side of the helix, while uncharged hydrophobic residues cluster on the opposite side. Specific receptor proteins that initiate protein translocation recognize this configuration rather than the precise amino acid sequence of the signal sequence (Figure 12–20).
Multisubunit protein complexes that function as protein translocators mediate protein movement across mitochondrial membranes. The TOM complex transfers proteins across the outer membrane, and two TIM complexes (TIM23 and TIM22) transfer proteins across the inner membrane (Figure 12–21). These complexes contain some components that act as receptors for mitochondrial precursor proteins, and other components that form the translocation channels.
The TOM complex is required for the import of all nucleus-encoded mitochondrial proteins. It initially transports their signal sequences into the intermembrane space and helps to insert transmembrane proteins into the outer membrane. β-barrel proteins, which are particularly abundant in the outer membrane, are then passed on to an additional translocator, the SAM complex, which helps them to fold properly in the outer membrane. The TIM23 complex transports some soluble proteins into the matrix space and helps to insert transmembrane proteins into the inner membrane. The TIM22 complex mediates the insertion of a subclass of inner membrane proteins, including the transporter that moves ADP, ATP, and phosphate in and out of mitochondria. Yet another protein translocator in the inner mitochondrial membrane, the OXA complex, mediates the insertion of
Figure 12–20 A signal sequence for mitochondrial protein import.