Background：Human SMCR7L gene encodes, MID51, the mitochondrial dynamic protein of 51 kDa(also called mitochondrial elongation factor 1, MIEF1). MID51 is a single-pass membrane protein anchored to the mitochondrial outer membrane and regulates mitochondrial morphology. Mitochondrial morphology is controlled by two opposing processes: fusion and fission. Elevated MID51 levels induce extensive mitochondrial fusion, whereas depletion of MID51 causes mitochondrial fragmentation. MID51 interacts with and recruits Drp1 to mitochondria, suggesting a critical role of MID51 in regulation of mitochondrial fusion-fission machinery in vertebrates.
