Graphical Abstract Highlights d First study of MICOS outside opisthokonts verifies a conserved role in shaping cristae d Trypanosome MICOS novelties include two distinct Mic10s and an atypical Mic60 d TbMICOS features a novel thioredoxin-like subunit called TbMic20 d TbMic20 appears to be a catalyst for intermembrane space protein import

Mitochondria have undergone profound diversification in separate lineages that have radiated since the last common ancestor of eukaryotes some eons ago. Most eukaryotes are unicellular protists, including etiological agents of infectious diseases, like Trypanosoma brucei .

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