Mitochondrial AAA proteases - Towards a molecular understanding of membrane-bound proteolytic machines

► AAA proteases form hexameric, membrane-embedded complexes built up of homologous subunits. ► AAA proteases have dual activities acting as quality control and processing enzymes. ► AAA proteases recognize the folding state of substrate proteins. ► Intersubunit communication coordinates ATP hydrolysis within AAA ring and ensures maximal force generation.