SDHAF1 is a small protein that shields the SDHB subunit of the SDH complex from oxidative damage, thereby facilitating the proper assembly and function of the SDH complex . The human recombinant form of SDHAF1 is typically produced in E. coli and consists of a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 138 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 15.2 kDa . It is often fused to a His-tag at the N-terminus to aid in purification .
Mutations in the SDHAF1 gene have been linked to various human diseases, including certain types of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders . Defective assembly of the SDH complex due to mutations in SDHAF1 can lead to impaired mitochondrial function and increased oxidative stress, contributing to the pathogenesis of these diseases .