Mitochondrial dynamics protein MID49 (MID49)

Mitochondrial elongation factor 2—more accurately named Mitochondrial dynamics protein MID49 (MID49) and encoded by the MIEF2 gene in humans—is an outer mitochondrial membrane protein that plays a crucial regulatory role in mitochondrial fission. MID49 acts as a peripheral receptor for the cytosolic GTPase Drp1, recruiting it to the mitochondrial surface to facilitate mitochondrial division. Structural studies show that MID49 physically interacts with Drp1 through protein-protein contact rather than by co-factors, and this interaction is essential for mitochondrial morphology and cellular metabolism regulation. Deficiency or depletion of MID49 leads to reduced fission, altered mitochondrial length, disrupted metabolism, and increased oxidative stress. MID49 has multiple aliases and is a current focus of investigation as a potential therapeutic target in diseases involving defective mitochondrial dynamics

Other names

MIEF2SMCR7mitochondrial elongation factor 2MID49COXPD49

Promotes mitochondrial fission by recruiting and physically interacting with dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) to the mitochondrial surface, stimulating Drp1 GTPase activity and assembly to drive membrane scission