| Dynamin-like proteins (Dlps) are involved in organelle fission and one member is found in each organism from yeast to man. They are found at constricted sites on the outside of the dividing organelle. Mutations in the conserved GTP binding motifs lead to tubulated mitochondria that form elongated networks. For more information see Web pages of Mark McNiven's lab.
OPA1 and Mitofusion are also conserved from yeast to man and involved in mitochonrial fusion. Therefore they act antagonistically to Dlps. OPA1 is found in the mitochondrial inter membrane space wheras Mitofusin is located on the outside of the outer membrane. However, the transmembrane regions of Mitofusion interacts with OPA1. Mutations in OPA1 and mitofusin lead to fragmentation of mitochondria. In case of OPA1 inherited mutations lead to degeneration of optical neurons that result in blindness. (See here for more information on OPA1 mutations)
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Mx proteins are only conserved in vertebrates and involved in resistance against viral infections. They are induced by type I interferons and block the replication of a broad spectrum of viruses at various sites in the cell. For more information see Web pages of Otto Haller's lab.
The guanylate-binding proteins are induced by type II interferons and anti-inflammatroy cytokines. An antiviral effect has also been shown but the main function seems to be an anti-proliferatve effect. Many GBPs carry a signal sequence for attachment of a lipid anchor at their C-terminus. Atlastins are neuronal proteins and inherited mutations lead to spastic paraplegia. (see here for more information on Atlastin)
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