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COQ4 gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/coq4/

COQ4 gene

coenzyme Q4

Normal Function

The COQ4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the production of a molecule called coenzyme Q10, although its specific role in this process is unknown. Research suggests that the COQ4 protein may help organize other proteins involved in coenzyme Q10 production into a stable functional group (a protein complex).

Coenzyme Q10 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.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency

At least 12 mutations in the COQ4 gene have been found to cause a disorder known as primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency. This rare disease usually becomes apparent in infancy or early childhood, but it can occur at any age. It can affect many parts of the body, most often the brain, muscles, and kidneys. The COQ4 gene mutations associated with this disorder greatly reduce or eliminate the production of the COQ4 protein, which prevents the normal production of coenzyme Q10. Studies suggest that a shortage (deficiency) of coenzyme Q10 impairs oxidative phosphorylation and increases the vulnerability of cells to damage from free radicals. A deficiency of coenzyme Q10 may also disrupt the production of pyrimidines. These changes can cause cells throughout the body to malfunction, which may help explain the variety of organs and tissues that can be affected by primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • CGI-92
  • coenzyme Q biosynthesis protein 4 homolog
  • coenzyme Q4 homolog
  • COQ10D7
  • ubiquinone biosynthesis protein COQ4 homolog, mitochondrial isoform 1 precursor
  • ubiquinone biosynthesis protein COQ4 homolog, mitochondrial isoform 2 precursor

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Acosta MJ, Vazquez Fonseca L, Desbats MA, Cerqua C, Zordan R, Trevisson E, Salviati L. Coenzyme Q biosynthesis in health and disease. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016 Aug;1857(8):1079-1085. doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.03.036. Epub 2016 Apr 7. Citation on PubMed
  • Brea-Calvo G, Haack TB, Karall D, Ohtake A, Invernizzi F, Carrozzo R, Kremer L, Dusi S, Fauth C, Scholl-Burgi S, Graf E, Ahting U, Resta N, Laforgia N, Verrigni D, Okazaki Y, Kohda M, Martinelli D, Freisinger P, Strom TM, Meitinger T, Lamperti C, Lacson A, Navas P, Mayr JA, Bertini E, Murayama K, Zeviani M, Prokisch H, Ghezzi D. COQ4 mutations cause a broad spectrum of mitochondrial disorders associated with CoQ10 deficiency. Am J Hum Genet. 2015 Feb 5;96(2):309-17. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.12.023. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Casarin A, Jimenez-Ortega JC, Trevisson E, Pertegato V, Doimo M, Ferrero-Gomez ML, Abbadi S, Artuch R, Quinzii C, Hirano M, Basso G, Ocana CS, Navas P, Salviati L. Functional characterization of human COQ4, a gene required for Coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 Jul 18;372(1):35-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.04.172. Epub 2008 May 12. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Chung WK, Martin K, Jalas C, Braddock SR, Juusola J, Monaghan KG, Warner B, Franks S, Yudkoff M, Lulis L, Rhodes RH, Prasad V, Torti E, Cho MT, Shinawi M. Mutations in COQ4, an essential component of coenzyme Q biosynthesis, cause lethal neonatal mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. J Med Genet. 2015 Sep;52(9):627-35. doi: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103140. Epub 2015 Jul 16. Citation on PubMed
  • Desbats MA, Lunardi G, Doimo M, Trevisson E, Salviati L. Genetic bases and clinical manifestations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2015 Jan;38(1):145-56. doi: 10.1007/s10545-014-9749-9. Epub 2014 Aug 5. Citation on PubMed
  • Doimo M, Desbats MA, Cerqua C, Cassina M, Trevisson E, Salviati L. Genetics of coenzyme q10 deficiency. Mol Syndromol. 2014 Jul;5(3-4):156-62. doi: 10.1159/000362826. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Salviati L, Trevisson E, Agosto C, Doimo M, Navas P. Primary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency Overview. 2017 Jan 26 [updated 2023 Jun 8]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK410087/ Citation on PubMed
  • Salviati L, Trevisson E, Rodriguez Hernandez MA, Casarin A, Pertegato V, Doimo M, Cassina M, Agosto C, Desbats MA, Sartori G, Sacconi S, Memo L, Zuffardi O, Artuch R, Quinzii C, Dimauro S, Hirano M, Santos-Ocana C, Navas P. Haploinsufficiency of COQ4 causes coenzyme Q10 deficiency. J Med Genet. 2012 Mar;49(3):187-91. doi: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2011-100394. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.