Q8IWA4

MFN1(Mitofusin 1) is a mediator of mitochondrial fusion. MFN1 plays a crucial role in mitochondrial dynamics, specifically in mitochondrial fusion, which is essential for maintaining mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism. MFN1 localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane and forms high molecular weight protein complexes that facilitate mitochondrial fusion, a process vital for cellular health and stress adaptation. MFN1 contains a GTPase domain critical for function, with purified recombinant MFN1 showing approximately eightfold higher GTPase activity compared to MFN2. This activity difference may influence distinct roles of MFN1 and MFN2 in cellular processes, including varying expression levels across tissues, with MFN1 transcripts being particularly elevated in heart tissue.