ChChd3, or coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 3, is an inner mitochondrial membrane protein. It is crucial for maintaining crista integrity and mitochondrial function, playing roles in mitochondrial processes like oxidative phosphorylation [2]. It is also involved in pathways related to ferroptosis, cell proliferation, and may be associated with diseases such as prostate cancer, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and age-related mitochondrial changes [1,3,5,4]. Genetic models are valuable for studying its functions.

In Drosophila, loss of ChChd3 leads to tissue undergrowth, cell proliferation defects, and increased mitochondrial fragmentation, indicating its importance in mitochondrial fusion and tissue homeostasis [7]. In murine models, knockout of ChChd3, along with other MICOS complex genes, mimics age-related mitochondrial structural changes, including loss of cristae morphology and decreased mitochondrial volume [4,6]. In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, cardiac-specific knockdown of dCHCHD3 in Drosophila results in compromised heart contractility, reduced cardiac ATP levels, and mitochondrial fission-fusion defects [5].

In conclusion, ChChd3 is essential for maintaining mitochondrial structure and function. Studies using gene knockout models in Drosophila and mice have revealed its role in various biological processes and disease conditions such as tissue growth, heart function, and age-related mitochondrial changes. Understanding ChChd3 provides insights into these biological processes and potential disease mechanisms.