Temporal control of contact site formation reveals a relationship between mitochondrial division and Num1-mediated mitochondrial tethering

Mol Biol Cell. 2023 Oct 1;34(11):ar108. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E23-05-0168. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Abstract

Mitochondrial division is critical for maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and cellular homeostasis. Previous studies have suggested that the mitochondria-ER-cortex anchor (MECA), a tripartite membrane contact site between mitochondria, the ER, and the plasma membrane, is involved in mitochondrial division. However, its role is poorly understood. We developed a system to control MECA formation and depletion, which allowed us to investigate the relationship between MECA-mediated contact sites and mitochondrial division. Num1 is the protein that mediates mitochondria-ER-plasma membrane tethering at MECA sites. Using both rapamycin-inducible dimerization and auxin-inducible degradation components coupled with Num1, we developed systems to temporally control the formation and depletion of the native contact site. Additionally, we designed a regulatable Num1-independant mitochondria-PM tether. We found that mitochondria-PM tethering alone is not sufficient to rescue mitochondrial division and that a specific feature of Num1-mediated tethering is required. This study demonstrates the utility of systems that regulate contact-site formation and depletion in studying the biological functions of membrane contact sites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins* / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae* / metabolism

Substances

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins