UQCRC1, also known as ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1, is a nuclear-encoded protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is an evolutionarily conserved core subunit of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III [1,2,3,4,5]. It is crucial for mitochondrial function, which is essential for cellular metabolism, and is involved in processes like apoptosis regulation [1]. Genetic models such as Drosophila and mouse models are valuable for studying its function [1,2].

In Drosophila, neuronal knockdown of uqcrc1 leads to age-dependent parkinsonism-resembling defects, including dopaminergic neuron reduction and locomotor decline, which can be improved by UQCRC1 expression [1]. In mouse models, UQCRC1 p.Tyr314Ser knock-in mice exhibit age-dependent locomotor defects, dopaminergic neuronal loss, peripheral neuropathy, impaired respiratory chain complex III activity, and aberrant mitochondrial ultrastructures in nigral neurons. Also, levodopa injection can improve motor dysfunction in these mutant mice [2].

In conclusion, UQCRC1 is vital for mitochondrial function and plays a role in regulating apoptosis. Model-based research, especially using mouse models, has revealed its significance in Parkinson's-like phenotypes, expanding our understanding of the link between mitochondrial complex III dysfunction and Parkinson's disease [1,2].