Mitochondrial import receptors for precursor proteins

The specific targeting of precursor proteins synthesized in the
cytosol to various cell organelles is a central aspect of
intracellular protein traffic. Several hundred different proteins
are imported from the cytosol into the mitochondria. Recent studies
have identified the mitochondrial outer membrane proteins MOM19,
MOM72, MOM38 (≈ISP42) and p32 which have a role in initial steps of
protein import. The first three components are present in a
multi-subunit complex that catalyses recognition and membrane
insertion of precursor proteins.