Mitochondrial inner membrane protein (IMMT) (IMMT)

Mitochondrial inner membrane protein (IMMT), also known as Mitofilin or MIC60, is a critical structural component of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex [UniProt Q16891]. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining the architecture of mitochondrial cristae, which are essential for efficient oxidative phosphorylation and energy production [PubMed 22290328]. IMMT acts as a scaffold, anchoring the inner membrane to the outer membrane and regulating the formation of cristae junctions [PubMed 25781180]. Dysregulation of IMMT is associated with various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, where it interacts with the PINK1/Parkin pathway, and cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure [PubMed 25781180]. In oncology, IMMT expression levels are often altered, influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis [PubMed 30305543]. While it is an emerging area of interest for therapeutic intervention to restore mitochondrial function, experimental compounds like Mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5) are currently being studied for their ability to bind IMMT and enhance mitochondrial activity [PubMed 26503418].

Other names

MitofilinMIC60Inner membrane mitochondrial proteinG1P22HMPP87/89

Drugs targeting this protein, such as Mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5), typically act by binding to the molecule to stabilize the MICOS complex and cristae junctions, thereby improving mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis efficiency [PubMed 26503418].