SLC25A30
The SLC25A30 Gene: An Essential Player in Mitochondrial Health
Description
The SLC25A30 gene encodes the mitochondrial phosphate carrier (PiC), a protein responsible for transporting phosphate (Pi) into the mitochondrial matrix. Pi serves as a crucial substrate for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, the primary energy currency of cells.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the SLC25A30 gene have been linked to several mitochondrial disorders, including:
- Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS): A multi-system disorder characterized by muscle weakness, seizures, and stroke-like episodes.
- Leigh Syndrome: A severe neurodegenerative disorder that affects infants and young children, leading to developmental delays, movement problems, and brain damage.
- Cardiomyopathy and Hepatic Failure: In some cases, SLC25A30 mutations can cause heart muscle disease and liver failure.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 1 in 4,000 individuals carry a mutation in the SLC25A30 gene. While the majority of these mutations are rare, certain ones are more common in specific populations.