Fis1 localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane and, along with dynamin-related protein (Drp1), participates in mitochondrial fission. Fission and fusion mechanisms regulate mitochondrial morphology within the cell. Fission frequency is determined by the level of Fis1 molecules at the mitochondrial surface. Fis1 contains a C-terminal domain, which is required for mitochondrial localization, and an N-terminal domain, which is necessary for mitochondrial fission. Fragmentation of the mitochondrial network by Fis1 leads to cytochrome c release and apoptosis. The mitochondrial fission mechanisms may be involved in positively and negatively regulating apoptosis.
