Mfn2 (source code)
= Mfn2
{c}
<Mfn2> is an outer-mitochondrial-membrane <mitofusin> involved in <GTP>-dependent <mitochondrial fusion>. Its activity helps join the outer boundaries of neighbouring <mitochondria>, enabling later mixing of their contents through the coordinated fusion machinery. <Mfn2> can associate with itself or with <Mfn1>. <Mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2 coordinately regulate mitochondrial fusion and are essential for embryonic development by Hsiuchen Chen and others>[2003, abstract and Figures 9–10: homo- and heterotypic complexes, deficient cells and rescue]{ref}
In the mouse study, loss of <Mfn2> produced fragmented <mitochondria> in embryonic fibroblasts and a placental defect distinct from the phenotype of <Mfn1> deficiency. These comparisons show why two related <proteins> need not be interchangeable in every <cell type>. Network fragmentation alone does not identify whether reduced fusion or increased fission caused the change.
Back to article page
