Drp1DLP1

Drp1DLP1, also known as Dynamin-related protein 1 or DRP1, is a crucial protein involved in the fission of mitochondria and peroxisomes. It belongs to the dynamin superfamily of GTPases, which are characterized by their ability to hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to generate mechanical force for membrane remodeling. In mammalian cells, Drp1DLP1 is primarily localized to the cytoplasm but can be recruited to the outer mitochondrial membrane during fission events.

The precise mechanism of Drp1DLP1-mediated fission is still under investigation, but it is generally understood to involve the assembly of Drp1DLP1 into a spiral around the organelle to be divided. GTP hydrolysis by Drp1DLP1 then drives conformational changes that constrict the membrane, leading to scission. This process is tightly regulated by various post-translational modifications and interactions with adapter proteins, such as Mff, Fis1, and MiD49/51.

Mitochondrial fission, facilitated by Drp1DLP1, is essential for various cellular processes, including mitochondrial quality control, adaptation to cellular stress, and determining the shape and distribution of mitochondria within the cell. Peroxisome fission, also mediated by Drp1DLP1, is critical for their biogenesis and maintenance. Dysregulation of Drp1DLP1 activity has been implicated in a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and metabolic diseases, highlighting its fundamental role in cellular homeostasis.