Translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 44 (TIMM44)

Translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 44 (TIMM44) is a peripheral membrane protein that acts as a key component of the protein import machinery in the inner mitochondrial membrane, specifically as part of the TIM23 complex[1][4][5]. It is essential for the ATP-dependent translocation of precursor proteins from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix by recruiting mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHsp70) to the translocase complex, thereby coupling the translocation channel with the import motor[1][2][3][4]. Both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of TIMM44 are required for its interaction with other translocase subunits and for the import of mitochondrial preproteins[1][3]. TIMM44 is also required for proper mitochondrial functional integrity, energy production, and regulation of apoptosis, and mutations can result in mitochondrial diseases and have been associated with familial oncocytic thyroid carcinoma[1][2][3][4][5]. TIMM44 is not a classical drug target (such as a receptor, ion channel, or enzyme) but is a critical component of the mitochondrial import machinery.

Other names

TIMM44Mitochondrial import inner membrane translocase subunit TIM44MIMT44TIM44translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 44 homologmitochondrial import inner membrane translocase subunit TIM44