Control of mitochondrial shape

Although mitochondria are known to exhibit a wide variety of morphologies in different cells, the mechanism by which these shapes are established and regulated are largely unknown. Several potential shape-forming proteins have been recently identified. Some studies suggest that these proteins control shape by mediating attachment of mitochondria to the cytoskeleton, while other studies indicate that these proteins form part of a connection between the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes. Complicating matters, a recent study raises the possibility that one or more of these shape-forming proteins plays a direct role in the import and assembly of mitochondrial proteins synthesized in the cytosol.