NDUFA1
The human NDUFA1 gene codes for an essential component of complex I of the respiratory chain, which transfers electrons from NADH to ubiquinone. It has been noted that the N-terminal hydrophobic domain has the potential to be folded into an alpha-helix spanning the inner mitochondrial membrane with a C-terminal hydrophilic domain interacting with globular subunits of complex I. The highly conserved two-domain structure suggests that this feature is critical for the protein function and might act as an anchor for the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex at the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, the NDUFA1 peptide is one of about 31 components of the "hydrophobic protein" (HP) fraction of complex I which is involved in proton translocation. Thus the NDUFA1 peptide may also participate in that function. [provided by RefSeq]
Full Name
NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex, 1, 7.5kDa
Function
Accessory subunit of the mitochondrial membrane respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I), that is believed not to be involved in catalysis. Complex I functions in the transfer of electrons from NADH to the respiratory chain. The immediate electron acceptor for the enzyme is believed to be ubiquinone.
Biological Process
Aerobic respiration Source: ComplexPortal
Mitochondrial ATP synthesis coupled proton transport Source: ComplexPortal
Mitochondrial electron transport, NADH to ubiquinone Source: UniProtKB
Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I assembly Source: UniProtKB
Cellular Location
Mitochondrion inner membrane
Involvement in disease
Mitochondrial complex I deficiency, nuclear type 12 (MC1DN12):
A form of mitochondrial complex I deficiency, the most common biochemical signature of mitochondrial disorders, a group of highly heterogeneous conditions characterized by defective oxidative phosphorylation, which collectively affects 1 in 5-10000 live births. Clinical disorders have variable severity, ranging from lethal neonatal disease to adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Phenotypes include macrocephaly with progressive leukodystrophy, non-specific encephalopathy, cardiomyopathy, myopathy, liver disease, Leigh syndrome, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and some forms of Parkinson disease.