The mitochondrial import machinery consists of several translocases. By gene trap mutagenesis, a knockout mouse model for the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (Tom) 40 was created, the protein which forms the general import pore of the outer membrane. The mutation is homozygous lethal. Reduced expression of Tom40 leads to mild cardiac dysfunction and causes a slowly progressing movement disorder, combined with neurological impairments and neurodegeneration. Mitochondrial morphology is altered widely in mutants and there is a strong age-dependant worsening of mitochondrial function. These mutants can serve as a model for age-associated motor disorders.
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The mitochondrial import machinery consists of several translocases. By gene trap mutagenesis, a knockout mouse model for the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (Tom) 40 was created, the protein which forms the general import pore of the outer membrane. The mutation is homozygous lethal. Reduced expression of Tom40 leads to mild cardiac dysfunction and causes a slowly progressing movement disorder, combined with neurological impairments and neurodegeneration. Mitochondrial morpholog...
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