Electron transfer flavoprotein subunit alpha (ETFA)

Electron transfer flavoprotein subunit alpha is one subunit of the heterodimeric electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) complex, a mitochondrial matrix enzyme that functions as a central electron acceptor for multiple flavoprotein dehydrogenases involved in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism[1][2][3][4][5]. The ETF complex consists of an alpha subunit (ETFA) and a beta subunit (ETFB), together binding the cofactor flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)[4][5][6]. ETF collects electrons from at least 14 mitochondrial dehydrogenases and relays these electrons to the respiratory chain via electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, contributing to cellular ATP production[5]. Mutations in the ETFA gene can cause multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (glutaric acidemia type II), a severe inherited disorder of metabolism that affects the breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids[6]. This subunit does *not* function as a classical therapeutic target such as a receptor or transporter, but is an important enzyme for mitochondrial metabolism and energy production[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

Electron transfer flavoprotein alphaETFαETFA