Succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit C (SDHC)

Succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit C is an integral membrane protein in the inner mitochondrial membrane, encoded by the SDHC gene. It anchors other succinate dehydrogenase (Complex II) subunits, facilitating electron transfer from succinate to ubiquinone as part of both the citric acid cycle and mitochondrial electron transport chain. SDHC plays a crucial role in oxidative energy production. Mutations in the SDHC gene disrupt this process, leading to cellular succinate accumulation, stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors, and increased tumor risk, particularly paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. While homologous proteins in fungi are targeted by SDH-inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides, the SDHC subunit is considered a tumor suppressor and essential enzyme in humans, not a direct therapeutic or pharmacologic target in clinical settings[1][3][4][5][8].

Other names

Succinate dehydrogenase cytochrome b560 subunit, mitochondrialSDHCSuccinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit CComplex II subunit C

Inhibition of SDHC/SDH impairs electron transport in mitochondria, leading to succinate accumulation and disruption of cellular respiration[5] Disease-causing mutations reduce SDH enzyme activity, promote hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilization, and drive tumorigenesis[1][3][4]