ATP5G3

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ATP5G3 (mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit c)

Overview
ATP5G3 is one of three human genes that encode the membrane subunit c of the mitochondrial ATP synthase. This small protein is part of the proton channel in the Fo component and plays a key role in making ATP during cellular respiration. Although there are three genes for this subunit, they produce the same mature protein.

What it does
- Part of the Fo portion of mitochondrial ATP synthase, which forms the proton channel across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- The enzyme uses a proton gradient to synthesize ATP, with the Fo complex working together with the F1 catalytic core.

Gene and protein basics
- The ATP5G3 gene is located on human chromosome 2 (2q31.1). Some sources note similar genomic organization in mice.
- It encodes a subunit c of the proton channel. Different transcripts from ATP5G3 and its paralogs exist, but they produce the same mature protein.

Paralogs and orthologs
- There are three human genes that encode the subunit c of ATP synthase. They share sequence similarity and deliver the same mature protein despite different targeting signals.
- The protein is conserved in mammals, with mouse having a corresponding ortholog.

Expression pattern
- ATP5G3 is expressed in many tissues, with particularly high levels in heart muscle, including regions such as the ventricles and atria. It is also present in other tissues such as tongue and kidney, reflecting the broad role of mitochondrial ATP production.

Key point
- ATP5G3 contributes to the essential process of energy production in cells by forming part of the proton channel that drives ATP synthesis in mitochondria.