Mitochondrial protein import: role of certain domains of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase

Correct targeting of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins is a complex process which has been intensively studied over the past fifteen years. Essential features have been identified in the structure of imported polypeptides which recognize specific receptors at the mitochondrial surface. Moreover, several cytosolic factors have been shown to be involved in the translocation and import of cytoplasmically synthesised mitochondrial proteins (Glover and Lindsay, 1992).