RESUMO
This report demonstrates for the first time that P5, a member of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) family, is present in the mitochondria. Various organelles were screened for proteins bearing the CGHC motif using an affinity column conjugated with the phage antibody 5E, which cross-reacts with PDI family proteins. P5 was found in bovine liver mitochondrial extract and identified by Western blot analysis using anti-P5 antibody and by mass spectrometric analysis. Results of cell fractionation, proteinase sensitivity experiments and immuno-electron microscopy supported the mitochondrial localization of P5 and also indicated the presence of ERp57, another PDI family protein, in mitochondria. Our findings will be useful for the elucidation of the translocation mechanism of PDI family proteins and their roles in mitochondria.