MICOS complex subunit Mic60 (Mic60)

MICOS complex subunit Mic60, also known as Mitofilin, is a critical structural protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane (UniProt Q16891). It serves as the core component of the Mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex, which is essential for maintaining the characteristic architecture of mitochondrial cristae and the formation of cristae junctions (PubMed: 25781180). By organizing the inner membrane, Mic60 facilitates efficient oxidative phosphorylation and regulates the import of proteins into the mitochondria (PubMed: 22114354). Dysregulation of Mic60 is linked to various pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, where it interacts with the PINK1/Parkin pathway, and cardiovascular diseases characterized by mitochondrial decay (PubMed: 26912472). In oncology, Mic60 expression levels are often altered, influencing tumor cell metabolism and survival (PubMed: 30265336). While no specific drugs currently target Mic60 in clinical practice, it is an active area of research for therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring mitochondrial function or inducing metabolic stress in cancer cells.

Other names

MitofilinInner membrane mitochondrial protein (IMMT)Mitochondrial inner membrane proteinHMPP87/89GIG52

Stabilization of mitochondrial cristae junctions and coordination of the MICOS complex to maintain inner membrane architecture; some research compounds increase its expression to restore mitochondrial function (PubMed: 25781180, PubMed: 26912472).