Mitochondrial DNA

Evolutionary biology

Biology

Gene

Homology (biology)

Mitochondrion

Cell biology

Genetics

Current Biology

Muñoz-Gómez et al. identify a prokaryotic homolog of eukaryotic Mic60 (a MICOS component that is required for cristae morphogenesis), thus providing evidence for the endosymbiotic origins of mitochondrial cristae. The ubiquity of MICOS implies a general eukaryotic mechanism for mitochondrial cristae formation and maintenance.

Ancient Homology of the Mitochondrial Contact Site and Cristae Organizing System Points to an Endosymbiotic Origin of Mitochondrial Cristae