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coenzyme Q8A

The COQ8A gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the production of a molecule called coenzyme Q10, which has several critical functions in cells throughout the body. In cell structures called mitochondria, coenzyme Q10 plays an essential role in a process called oxidative phosphorylation, which converts the energy from food into a form cells can use. Coenzyme Q10 is also involved in producing pyrimidines, which are building blocks of DNA, its chemical cousin RNA, and molecules such as ATP and GTP that serve as energy sources in the cell. In cell membranes, coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by unstable oxygen-containing molecules (free radicals), which are byproducts of energy production.

Normal function

The COQ8A gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the production of a molecule called coenzyme Q10, which has several critical functions in cells throughout the body. In cell structures called mitochondria, coenzyme Q10 plays an essential role in a process called oxidative phosphorylation, which converts the energy from food into a form cells can use. Coenzyme Q10 is also involved in producing pyrimidines, which are building blocks of DNA, its chemical cousin RNA, and molecules such as ATP and GTP that serve as energy sources in the cell. In cell membranes, coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by unstable oxygen-containing molecules (free radicals), which are byproducts of energy production.

Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome

Other names

aarF domain-containing protein kinase 3

ADCK3

ARCA2

atypical kinase COQ8A, mitochondrial

CABC1

chaperone activity of bc1 complex-like, mitochondrial

chaperone, ABC1 activity of bc1 complex homolog

coenzyme Q protein 8A

coenzyme Q8 homolog

COQ10D4

COQ8

SCAR9

Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 18 Aug 2020 | Latest version
  • 1 Apr 2017 | Originally published

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