Biogenesis of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins, problems and diseases

Proteins of the mitochondrial outer membrane are synthesized as precursors on cytosolic ribosomes and sorted via internal targeting sequences to mitochondria. Two different types of integral outer membrane proteins exist: proteins with a transmembrane beta-barrel and proteins embedded by a single or multiple alpha-helices. The import pathways of these two types of membrane proteins differ fundamentally. Precursors of beta-barrel proteins are first imported across the outer membrane via the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex). The TOM complex is coupled to the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM complex), which catalyzes folding and membrane insertion of these precursors. The mitochondrial import machinery (MIM complex) promotes import of proteins with multiple alpha-helical membrane spans. Depending on the topology precursors of proteins with a single alpha-helical membrane anchor are imported via several distinct routes. We summarize current models and open questions of biogenesis of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins and discuss the impact of malfunctions of protein sorting on the development of diseases.