COX10
Description
The COX10 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase subunit 10, a crucial component of the respiratory chain within mitochondria. This chain is responsible for generating energy (ATP) through the breakdown of food molecules. COX10 specifically aids in the assembly of cytochrome c oxidase, the final enzyme in the chain, by mediating the synthesis of heme A, a critical component of the enzyme‘s active site.
Associated Diseases
- Leigh Syndrome: A rare, severe neurological disorder characterized by progressive damage to the central nervous system. Mutations in COX10 are known to cause this condition.
- Mitochondrial Complex IV Deficiency: This condition affects the function of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to reduced ATP production and impaired cellular function. COX10 mutations can contribute to this deficiency.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition marked by thickening of the heart muscle. While COX10 mutations are not a primary cause, they may contribute to the development or severity of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in some cases.
Did you know?
The COX10 gene is highly conserved across different species, indicating its fundamental importance in cellular respiration.