Mitochondrial protease OMA1

OMA1 is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It plays a central role in mitochondrial quality control, energy metabolism, and cellular stress responses. Under normal conditions, OMA1 remains largely inactive but is rapidly activated by various forms of mitochondrial stress such as loss of membrane potential or increased reactive oxygen species. Upon activation, it cleaves key substrates like OPA1, DELE1 and PINK1, modulating mitochondrial dynamics and initiating downstream signaling pathways involved in apoptosis and stress responses. Dysregulation of OMA1 activity has been implicated in diseases like ALS, heart failure, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.

Proteolytic cleavage of target proteins (OPA1, DELE1, PINK1)