TIMM17B, also known as translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 17b, is a gene related to the mitochondrial protein translocation pathway. The human TIM23 complex, which is crucial for transporting mitochondrial precursor proteins to the matrix and inner membrane, has two orthologs of yeast Tim17, including TIMM17B. This indicates its importance in mitochondrial protein import machinery, an essential process for mitochondrial function and overall cell viability [4,6].

In breast cancer, TIMM17B shows significantly higher expression compared to paracancer tissues, and it is associated with immune infiltration, drug resistance, and ferroptosis. High expression of TIMM17B in basal breast cancer is related to a better prognosis. In heart failure patients with ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy, TIMM17B is downregulated, suggesting its role in mitochondrial quality control, which is disrupted in heart failure. In primary biliary cholangitis, a region including TIMM17B shows a genome-wide significant locus. In degenerative ascending aortic aneurysm, TIMM17B is downregulated, and proteins related to mitochondrial dysfunction like it might be therapeutic targets [1,2,3,5].

In summary, TIMM17B is essential for mitochondrial protein translocation. Studies on it, including in disease models like breast cancer, heart failure, primary biliary cholangitis, and degenerative ascending aortic aneurysm, have revealed its diverse roles in disease-related biological processes. These findings contribute to understanding disease mechanisms and may offer potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets.