D-MTERF5 is a novel factor modulating transcription in Drosophila mitochondria

► We characterized D-MTERF5, a Drosophila mitochondrial protein of the MTERF family. ► D-MTERF5 knock-down alters mitochondrial transcript levels. ► D-MTERF5 interacts with mtDNA at the same sites contacted by DmTTF. ► D-MTERF5 would counteract the transcription termination factor DmTTF.