A dynamic gateway: Uncovering the expanded human TOM complex interactome and its regulatory complexity.

The translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) is the conserved entry gate for nuclear-encoded proteins. While structurally similar from yeast to humans, the human TOM complex operates in a cellular environment of vastly greater complexity. Here, we present a high-confidence map of the human TOM interactome using a membrane-permeable ...
cross-linker to capture both stable and transient interactors. Alongside extensive overlap with known yeast partners, we uncover a set of human-specific interactors including regulatory factors and TOM-associated proteins. Mapping unique interprotein cross-links reveals conformational flexibility of the receptor TOM20 and enhanced recovery of peripheral components such as TOM70 and several associated quality control factors. Notably, we identify FKBP8 (FK506 binding protein 8) as a human-specific interactor that binds multiple TOM subunits and promotes organization of the complex. Our work redefines the human TOM complex as a dynamic, multifaceted hub coordinating biogenesis, quality control, and signaling. This expanded TOM landscape offers a rich resource for exploring mitochondrial regulation in health and disease.
Mesh Terms:
Humans, Mitochondria, Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins, Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins, Protein Binding, Protein Interaction Mapping, Protein Interaction Maps
Sci Adv
Date: May. 01, 2026
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