Import of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria

Abstract

The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, synthesized in the cytosol and subsequently imported into mitochondria through protein translocation machineries of the outer and inner membranes. In this review, we discuss the arrangement of the various translocation complexes and the function of individual import components. We also outline the various targeting pathways that preproteins can take in order to reach their appropriate sub-mitochondrial compartment.