Mfn1 (source code)
= Mfn1
{c}
<Mfn1> is an outer-mitochondrial-membrane <mitofusin> that promotes <mitochondrial fusion> through a <GTP>-dependent mechanism. It forms complexes with itself and with <Mfn2>. Fusion lets separate <mitochondria> exchange components, contributing to maintenance of a functional mitochondrial network. <Mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2 coordinately regulate mitochondrial fusion and are essential for embryonic development by Hsiuchen Chen and others>[2003, abstract and mutant-cell rescue experiments]{ref}
Mouse fibroblasts deficient in <Mfn1> showed a severe reduction in fusion and fragmented organelles. Rescue experiments supported a causal role for <Mfn1>, while comparison with <Mfn2>-deficient <cells> revealed overlapping and distinct functions. The combination of genetic loss, direct fusion assessment and rescue is more informative than inferring a fusion mechanism from a still image of mitochondrial shape.
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