ABSTRACT
Mitochondria are generally known as energy production centers of biological cells. These organelles generate most of the chemical energy, which is stored in small molecules as adenosine triphosphates (ATPs). This energy is used for biochemical reactions in cells. In addition to producing ATPs for energy supply, mitochondria participate in pinpointed biomolecular processes. The transport process of materials and information across the MOM is poorly understood. Mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) channels are structurally diverse. Their general functional modes ensuring cross-border transport and physiological roles related to normal cell health and disease conditions are versatile. Trafficking of the mitochondrial proteins requires coordinated operation of specific protein translocator complexes in mitochondrial membrane. A recent study showed that the two domain structures of Tim44 plays an important role in protein translocation process. MOM transport is directly and indirectly linked to the opening/closing of various channels formed due to the presence of a multitude of proteins and lipids involved in cell death mechanisms.
