Description
This gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial membrane protein that contributes to mitochondrial dynamics, nucleoid organization, protein translation, cell growth, and cholesterol metabolism. This gene is a member of the ATPase family AAA-domain containing 3 gene family which, in humans, includes two other paralogs. Naturally occurring mutations in this gene are associated with distinct neurological syndromes including Harel-Yoon syndrome. High-level expression of this gene is associated with poor survival in breast cancer patients. A homozygous knockout of the orthologous gene in mice results in embryonic lethality at day 7.5 due to growth retardation and defective development of the trophoblast lineage. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.