Mechanistic Analysis of a Dynamin Effector

Abstract

Dynamin-Related Proteins' Little Helper Dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) comprise a family of large guanosine triphosphatases that self-assemble to form different nucleotide-dependent structures that associate with and change the behavior of intracellular membranes. Many studies have focused on how dynamins function by themselves as machines. In cells, however, DRPs cannot function alone and require additional, associated proteins (DAPs) to perform their functions. The exact mechanistic roles that DAPs play are not known. Lackner et al. (p. 874 ) address this question using the mitochondrial division machine that requires the DRP, Dnm1. The Dnm1-associated protein, Mdv1, functions as a conformational and structural nucleator for Dnm1 self-assembly.