Drp1, which is a member of the dynamin superfamily of proteins, consists of a GTPase and GTPase effector domain that are separated from each other by a helical segment of amino acids. Drp1 is a fundamental component of mitochondrial fission. Indeed, Drp1 neurons have large, strongly interconnected mitochondria, due to dysfunctional fission machinery. ROS can be formed from incomplete transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain. Furthermore, fission influences calcium flux within the cell, linking Drp1 to apoptosis and cancer. In humans, loss of Drp1 function affects brain development and is also associated with early mortality.
