The Yin & Yang of Mitochondrial Architecture - Interplay of MICOS and F1Fo-ATP synthase in cristae formation

Oxidative phosphorylation takes place at specialized compartments of the inner mitochondrial membrane, the cristae. The elaborate ultrastructure of cristae membranes enables efficient chemi-osmotic coupling of respiratory chain and F1Fo-ATP synthase. Dynamic membrane remodeling allows mitochondria to adapt to changing physiological requirements. The mito-chondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) and the oligomeric ATP synthase have been known to govern distinct features of cristae architec-ture. A new study [1] on the crosstalk between these two machineries now sheds light on the mechanisms of cristae formation and maintenance.