Although mitochondria are known to exhibit a wide variety of morphologies in different cells, the mechanism by which these shapes are established and regulated are largely unknown.

Several potential shape-forming proteins have been identified. These proteins control shape by mediating attachment of mitochondria to the cytoskeleton, while other studies indicate that these proteins form part of a connection between the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes.

One or more of these shape-forming proteins could play a direct role in the import and assembly of mitochondrial proteins synthesized in the cytosol.

References

 Jensen RE. Control of mitochondrial shape. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2005 Aug;17(4):384-8. PMID: #15975781#