Figure 2.

Schematic summary of the known functions of SMN and their impact on mitochondrial homeostasis. As crucial regulator of RNA metabolism and DNA recombination/repair, SMN modulates the expression levels of many mitochondrial proteins that are essential for mitochondrial homeostasis (biogenesis, apoptosis induction, Ca²⁺ signaling, transport and dynamics). By interacting with a plethora of proteins, SMN is also involved in different cell signaling pathways and in the dynamic regulation of membranes and cytoskeleton. All these SMN functions are ultimately crucial for mitochondrial biogenesis, Ca²⁺ signaling, transport and dynamics. The figure was created with BioReneder.com.