Required for normal mitochondrial respiration . Increases steady-state levels and half-lives of a subset of mature mitochondrial mRNAs MT-ND2, MT-ND3, MT-CYTB, MT-CO2, and MT-ATP8/6. Promotes MT-CO1 mRNA translation and increases mitochondrial complex IV assembly and activity .
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion
Expression detected in spleen, thymus, testis, ovary, colon, heart, smooth muscle, kidney, brain, lung, liver and white adipose tissue with highest expression in liver and thyroid.