Dynaminrelated

Dynaminrelated refers to the dynamin-related proteins (DRPs), a subfamily of large GTPases within the dynamin superfamily that mediate membrane remodeling events in eukaryotic cells. DRPs are conserved across many lineages and participate in diverse processes, including organelle division, endocytosis, and vesicle trafficking. They share a conserved GTPase domain and a stalk region, but many DRPs lack the pleckstrin homology domain found in classical dynamins, instead employing alternative domains and interactions to engage membranes and effector partners.

DRPs typically assemble into oligomeric structures such as rings or spirals around membrane necks or tubules. GTP binding and hydrolysis drive conformational changes that constrict these assemblies, promoting membrane scission or remodeling. This dynamic cycle controls the timing and location of fission events, with transitions between membrane-associated and cytosolic states regulated by post-translational modifications and interactors.

Functionally, dynaminrelated proteins regulate a range of cellular membranes and organelles. In animals, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1, encoded by DNM1L) mediates mitochondrial fission and collaborates with outer mitochondrial membrane receptors such as FIS1, MFF, and MID49/MID51. DRPs also participate in peroxisomal fission and, for some paralogs like dynamin 2 (DNM2), in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In plants and algae, diverse DRPs contribute to chloroplast division and other organelle remodeling tasks.

Evolutionarily, DRPs are widespread in eukaryotes and expanded into multiple paralogs that specialize for distinct membranes and tissues. Mutations or dysregulation of DRP genes have been linked to human diseases, notably DNM2-related centronuclear myopathy and other neuropathies, underscoring their essential role in cellular organization and energy metabolism.