# COX4I2

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 2, mitochondrial is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the COX4I2 gene. COX4I2 is a nuclear-encoded isoform of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit 4. Cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) is a multi-subunit enzyme complex that couples the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen and contributes to a proton electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, acting as the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Mutations in COX4I2 have been associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, dyserythropoietic anemia, and calvarial hyperostosis (EPIDACH).

## Structure

COX4I2 is located on the q arm of chromosome 20 in position 11.21 and has 6 exons. The COX4I2 gene produces a 20 kDa protein composed of 171 amino acids. The protein encoded by COX4I2 belongs to the cytochrome c oxidase IV family. COX4I2 has a transit peptide domain and a disulfide bond amino acid modification. A Glu138 residue, which corresponds to a Glu136 residue in COX4I1, is believed to be highly conserved and structurally important for the mitochondrial COX response to hypoxia.

## Function

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, catalyzes the electron transfer from reduced cytochrome c to oxygen. It is a heteromeric complex consisting of 3 catalytic subunits encoded by mitochondrial genes and multiple structural subunits encoded by nuclear genes. The mitochondrially-encoded subunits function in electron transfer, and the nuclear-encoded subunits may be involved in the regulation and assembly of the complex. The COX4I2 nuclear gene encodes isoform 2 of subunit IV. Isoform 1 of subunit IV is encoded by a different gene, however, the two genes show a similar structural organization. Subunit IV is the largest nuclear encoded subunit which plays a pivotal role in COX regulation. It is located on the inner mitochondrial membrane on the matrix side. Expression of COX4I2 is highest in the placenta and the lungs. Additionally, the expression of COX4I2, along with COX4I1, may be regulated by oxygen levels, with reduced levels of oxygen leading to increased COX4I2 expression and COX4I1 degradation. This suggests a role for COX4I2 in the optimization of the electron transfer chain under different conditions.

## Clinical Significance

Mutations in COX4I2 have been associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, dyserythropoeitic anemia, and calvarial hyperostosis (EPIDACH). Characteristics of this disease include pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal malabsorption, failure to thrive, and anemia soon after birth. Additional symptoms have included steatorrhea, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, pancreatic atrophy, generalized muscle hypotonia, hyperostosis, yellowish sclera associated with mild indirect hyperbilirubinemia, impaired coagulation functions, elevated LDH, alanine, and bilirubin, and reduced vitamin E levels. A homozygous mutation, E138K, has been found to result in reduced COX4I2 expression (25% in fibroblasts) and an impaired response to hypoxia. Functional COX4I2 expression below 40% of its normal level is predicted to be rate-limiting, with the E138K mutation occurring in what is believed to be a highly conserved residue of subunit IV.

## Interactions

COX4I2 has been shown to interact with Cytochrome c (CYCS). Additionally, APP, COA3, and KRAS have been found to have protein-protein interactions with COX4I2.