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The MICOS complex of human mitochondria

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Abstract

Mitochondria are organelles of endosymbiotic origin, surrounded by two membranes. The inner membrane forms invaginations called cristae that enhance its surface and are important for mitochondrial function. A recently described mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) in the inner mitochondrial membrane is crucial for the formation and maintenance of cristae structure. The MICOS complex in human mitochondria exhibits specificities and greater complexity in comparison to the yeast system. Many subunits of this complex have been previously described, but several others and their function remain to be explored. This review will summarize our present knowledge about the human MICOS complex and its constituents, while discussing the future research perspectives in this exciting and important field.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Heike Rampelt and Suvagata Roy Chowdhury for critically reading the manuscript and for helpful suggestions.

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  1. Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany

    Vera Kozjak-Pavlovic

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Kozjak-Pavlovic, V. The MICOS complex of human mitochondria. Cell Tissue Res 367, 83–93 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-016-2433-7

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