Coupling factor B affects the morphology of mitochondria.

ABSTRACT

Ectopic expression of coupling factor B in animal cells resulted in altered mitochondrial morphology. Cells expressing factor B fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) contained fragmented, balloon-shaped or thinned, filamentous mitochondria, terminating at one end with balloon-like structures. Ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy revealed changes in the organization of mitochondrial cristae in cells expressing factor B-GFP fusion protein.