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TIMM13 Gene
TIMM13 Gene
Introduction
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">TIMM13 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Symbol</td>
<td>TIMM13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Translocase of Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Subunit 13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Previous Symbols</td>
<td>TIM13, MIPL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>19p13.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>10430</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>607497</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000120437</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q9Y2H5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Protein Length</td>
<td>104 amino acids</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Molecular Weight</td>
<td>~10.5 kDa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Family</td>
<td>Small TIM family</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Complex</td>
<td>Components</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TIM8/13</td>
<td>TIMM8A + TIMM13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TIM9/10</td>
<td>TIMM9 + TIMM10 + TIMM10B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TIM8/9/10</td>
<td>TIMM8A + TIMM9 + TIMM10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Tissue</td>
<td>Expression Level</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Brain</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<
TIMM13 Gene
Introduction
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">TIMM13 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Symbol</td>
<td>TIMM13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Translocase of Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Subunit 13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Previous Symbols</td>
<td>TIM13, MIPL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>19p13.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>10430</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>607497</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000120437</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q9Y2H5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Protein Length</td>
<td>104 amino acids</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Molecular Weight</td>
<td>~10.5 kDa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Family</td>
<td>Small TIM family</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Complex</td>
<td>Components</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TIM8/13</td>
<td>TIMM8A + TIMM13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TIM9/10</td>
<td>TIMM9 + TIMM10 + TIMM10B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TIM8/9/10</td>
<td>TIMM8A + TIMM9 + TIMM10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Tissue</td>
<td>Expression Level</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Brain</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Heart</td>
<td>Very High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Skeletal Muscle</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Liver</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Kidney</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Pancreas</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Approach</td>
<td>Mechanism</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">PGC-1α Activators</td>
<td>Upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis genes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">AMPK Activators</td>
<td>Enhance energy metabolism</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">SIRT1 Activators</td>
<td>Deacetylate mitochondrial proteins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TFAM Expression</td>
<td>Increase mitochondrial DNA transcription</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Compound</td>
<td>Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Coenzyme Q10</td>
<td>Electron transport chain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">MitoQ</td>
<td>Mitochondria-specific antioxidant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Idebenone</td>
<td>Complex I activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Vitamin E</td>
<td>Lipid peroxidation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Energy Source</td>
<td>Import Stage</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Membrane Potential (ΔΨ)</td>
<td>Translocation across inner membrane</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">ATP</td>
<td>IMS chaperone function</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">GTP</td>
<td>Complex assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Strategy</td>
<td>Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">CoQ10</td>
<td>Electron transport</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">PGC-1α agonists</td>
<td>Mitochondrial biogenesis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Import enhancers</td>
<td>TIM complex</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Antioxidants</td>
<td>ROS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Technique</td>
<td>Application</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Blue-Native PAGE</td>
<td>Complex assembly analysis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Import Radiolabeling</td>
<td>Import kinetics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Proteomics</td>
<td>Interaction networks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Cryo-EM</td>
<td>Structural analysis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
TIMM13 (Translocase of Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Subunit 13), also known as TIM13 or Mitochondrial Import Protein 13, is a small chaperone protein located in the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) that plays a critical role in the import of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria [@koehler1998]. This gene encodes a 104-amino acid protein that functions as part of the small TIM chaperone complex, specifically the TIM8/13 complex, which facilitates the import of hydrophobic inner membrane proteins [@roesch2002].
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central pathological feature of major neurodegenerative diseases, including [Alzheimer's disease (AD)](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Parkinson's disease (PD)](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)](/diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis), and [Huntington's disease (HD)](/diseases/huntingtons). The TIMM13-mediated protein import pathway is essential for maintaining mitochondrial function, and alterations in this pathway contribute to neurodegeneration [@mitochondrial_ad].
Gene Overview
Molecular Biology
Gene Structure
The TIMM13 gene consists of 4 coding exons spanning approximately 5 kb of genomic DNA. The gene is located on the minus strand of chromosome 19 at position 19p13.3. The promoter region contains binding sites for transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, including NRF-1 (Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1) and NRF-2.
Protein Structure
TIMM13 is a small, cysteine-rich protein with distinctive structural features [@timm13_structure]:
TMRE Domain Structure:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ IMS (Intermembrane Space) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Cys-rich domain (Zn-binding) │
│ [CX5C-X10-CX5C-X4C] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Inner Mitochondrial Membrane │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Key Structural Features:
- Cysteine-Rich Domain: Contains 6 conserved cysteine residues forming zinc-binding motifs
- Zn-Finger Like Structure: The cysteine pattern forms a zinc-finger that stabilizes protein structure
- Dimeric Organization: Forms homodimers and heterodimers with TIMM8A
- Interface Region: Dimerization interface facilitates substrate binding
The three-dimensional structure reveals a β-grasp fold typical of small IMS proteins, with the zinc-binding domain critical for chaperone function.
Post-Translational Modifications
TIMM13 undergoes several post-translational modifications:
- Zinc Binding: Zinc ion coordinated by cysteine residues (essential for function)
- Oxidation: Cysteine residues can form disulfide bonds
- Dimerization: Forms both homodimers and TIMM8A heterodimers
Cellular Functions
Mitochondrial Protein Import
TIMM13 functions within the mitochondrial protein import machinery [@herrmann2013]:
Cytosol → TOM Complex → IMS → TIM22 Complex → Inner Membrane
↓
TIM8/13 Complex
(chaperone activity)
Import Process:
Small TIM Chaperone Complex
TIMM13 is a core component of the small TIM chaperone system in mitochondria [@timm_complex]:
The TIM8/13 complex specifically facilitates import of:
- ADP/ATP Carriers (AAC): Essential for ATP/ADP exchange across the inner membrane
- Phosphate Carrier: Imports inorganic phosphate for ATP synthesis
- Other Metabolite Carriers: Various mitochondrial metabolite transporters
Substrate Recognition
TIMM13 recognizes substrate proteins based on:
- Hydrophobic Domains: Exposed hydrophobic segments in the IMS
- Timing: Interacts with proteins during the import process
- Cooperative Binding: Works with other small TIM proteins
Tissue-Specific Expression
TIMM13 expression varies across tissues:
Within the brain, TIMM13 is highly expressed in:
- [Cerebral cortex](/brain-regions/cortex) (neurons)
- [Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus) (CA1-CA3 regions)
- Basal ganglia ([substantia nigra](/brain-regions/substantia-nigra))
- Cerebellum (Purkinje cells)
Disease Associations
Alzheimer's Disease
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of AD pathology, and TIMM13 contributes through several mechanisms [@mitochondrial_ad]:
Pathogenesis:
Evidence:
- TIMM13 expression is altered in AD brain tissue
- Mitochondrial protein import efficiency declines with age
- Mutations in APP/Aβ exacerbate import deficits
Aβ Accumulation
↓
TOM/TIM Import Dysfunction
↓
TIMM13 Function Impairment
↓
Respiratory Chain Deficit
↓
ATP Depletion + ROS
↓
Synaptic Dysfunction + Neuronal Death
Parkinson's Disease
PD features prominent mitochondrial dysfunction, with TIMM13 playing a role [@mitochondrial_pd]:
Pathogenesis:
Evidence:
- TIMM13 variants have been associated with PD risk
- Mitochondrial protein import is disrupted in PD models
- PINK1/Parkin affects mitochondrial protein turnover
PINK1/Parkin Pathway
The PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway interacts with TIMM13 function [@pink1_parkin]:
- PINK1: Kinase that accumulates on damaged mitochondria
- Parkin: E3 ubiquitin ligase that tags mitochondria for degradation
- TIMM13 Degradation: Can be ubiquitinated during mitophagy
- Import Disruption: Mitophagy can impair protein import
Other Neurodegenerative Conditions
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early event
- TIMM13 may contribute to motor neuron vulnerability
- Energy deficits are prominent
- Mutant huntingtin affects mitochondrial function
- Import deficits contribute to neuronal dysfunction
- Energy metabolism is impaired
- Mitochondrial function declines with age
- Protein import efficiency decreases
- Cumulative damage contributes to neurodegeneration
Therapeutic Implications
Targeting Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Strategies to enhance mitochondrial function via TIMM13 [@pgc1alpha]:
Key Targets:
- PGC-1α (PPARGC1A): Master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis
- NRF-1/2: Nuclear respiratory factors
- TFAM: Mitochondrial transcription factor A
Antioxidant Therapy
Combating oxidative stress in mitochondrial diseases [@coq10_pd]:
Protein Import Enhancers
Direct targeting of the import machinery:
- Small Molecule Chaperones: Stabilize TIMM13 structure
- Zinc Supplementation: Maintain cysteine oxidation state
- Protein Stabilizers: Reduce degradation
Gene Therapy Approaches
- TIMM13 Overexpression: Increase import capacity
- Viral Delivery: AAV vectors for neuronal targeting
- Combination Therapy: Target multiple components
Animal Models
Mouse Models
Several models have been developed:
Knockout Studies:
- Timm13 global knockout: Embryonic lethal (early stage)
- Conditional knockout: Brain-specific deletion leads to neurodegeneration
- heterozygous mice: Viable with mitochondrial deficits
- Wild-type TIMM13 overexpression: Rescues mitochondrial function
- Mutant expression: Recapitulates disease phenotypes
Zebrafish Models
Zebrafish provide accessible models:
- Morpholino knockdown: Developmental defects
- CRISPR knockouts: Mitochondrial dysfunction phenotypes
- Drug screening: Identify import enhancers
Key Findings
Biomarker Potential
TIMM13 as a biomarker:
Genetic Biomarkers
- Diagnostic: TIMM13 variant testing
- Prognostic: Disease progression markers
- Predictive: Treatment response indicators
Fluid Biomarkers
- Blood TIMM13: Correlation with disease state
- CSF markers: Mitochondrial dysfunction indicators
Functional Assays
- Mitochondrial Import Efficiency: Measure protein import rates
- Respiratory Chain Activity: Complex I-IV function
Research Directions
Key questions remain:
See Also
- [Mitochondrial Dysfunction Pathway](/mechanisms/mitochondrial-dysfunction)
- [Mitophagy in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/mitophagy)
- [PINK1-Parkin Pathway](/mechanisms/pink1-parkin-pathway)
- [TIMM8A Gene](/genes/timm8a)
- [TIMM8B Gene](/genes/timm8b)
- [TIMM9 Gene](/genes/timm9)
- [TIMM10 Gene](/genes/timm10)
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Substantia Nigra](/brain-regions/substantia-nigra)
- [Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus)
External Resources
- [NCBI Gene: TIMM13](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/10430)
- [UniProt: TIMM13](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9Y2H5)
- [Ensembl: TIMM13](https://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000120437)
- [GeneCards: TIMM13](https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=TIMM13)
- [OMIM: TIMM13](https://www.omim.org/entry/607497)
- [Allen Brain Atlas](https://human.brain-map.org/microarray/search/show?search_term=TIMM13)
References
TIMM13 and Mitochondrial Protein Import: Deep Dive
The TIM22 Complex Pathway
The TIM22 complex represents a specialized protein import system for inner membrane proteins [@neupert2007]:
Outer Membrane (TOM) → Intermembrane Space → Inner Membrane (TIM22)
↓
TIM8/13 Complex → Substrate Handoff → Membrane Insertion
Key Components:
- TIM22: Core translocase (~400 kDa complex)
- TIM54: Subunit with large IMS domain
- TIM9/TIM10: Chaperone complex for precursor recognition
- TIM8/TIM13: Specialized chaperones for carrier proteins
The TIM8/13 complex specifically handles:
- Adenylate Kinase (AK3): Mitochondrial nucleotide kinase
- Phosphate Carrier (PiC): Inorganic phosphate import
- ATP-Mg/Pi Carrier: ATP-Mg exchange
- Dicarboxylate Carrier: Malate, succinate transport
Energy Coupling
Mitochondrial protein import is energetically demanding:
Import Efficiency Factors:
- Membrane potential magnitude
- ATP/ADP ratio
- Chaperone availability
- Substrate protein folding state
Quality Control
Mitochondrial protein import includes quality control mechanisms:
TIMM13 in Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanisms
Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
In AD, TIMM13 contributes to disease through several interconnected mechanisms [@app_metabolism]:
Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Processing:
- APP is processed in multiple cellular compartments
- Mitochondrial Aβ accumulation impairs function
- TIMM13 may be affected by Aβ toxicity
Aβ Deposition
↓
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
↓
TIMM13 Activity Reduction
↓
Protein Import Impairment
↓
Respiratory Chain Deficit
↓
Synaptic Failure + Neuronal Death
Therapeutic Implications:
- Enhancing import could restore function
- PGC-1α agonists upregulate TIMM13 expression
- Antioxidants protect import machinery
Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms
In PD, TIMM13 intersects with key pathogenic pathways [@mitophagy_pd]:
PINK1/Parkin Pathway:
- Damaged mitochondria accumulate PINK1
- Parkin is activated and ubiquitinates substrates
- TIMM13 can be degraded during mitophagy
- Loss affects import capacity
- High energy demand makes neurons dependent on TIMM13
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is early event
- Calcium handling compounds stress
- PGC-1α activators enhance TIMM13
- Import enhancers in development
- Antioxidants reduce oxidative damage
Clinical Considerations
Diagnostic Approaches
Genetic Testing:
- Panel testing for mitochondrial genes
- Whole exome sequencing
- Targeted sequencing for known variants
- Mitochondrial import efficiency assays
- Respiratory chain activity measurement
- Blue-native PAGE for complex analysis
- Blood/CSF NfL: Neurofilament light chain
- Mitochondrial DNA copy number
- TIMM13 levels (research)
Therapeutic Strategies
Current Approaches: Future Directions:
- Gene therapy for TIMM13
- Small molecule chaperones
- Combination approaches
Research Tools and Resources
Model Systems
Cell Culture:
- Patient-derived fibroblasts
- Induced neurons (iPSC)
- CRISPR-edited lines
- Knockout mice
- Transgenic models
- Zebrafish
Experimental Techniques
Summary
TIMM13 is a critical component of the mitochondrial protein import machinery with essential roles in maintaining mitochondrial function. Its dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. The protein's role in importing essential carrier proteins makes it a potential therapeutic target, though significant research remains to develop effective interventions. Understanding TIMM13 function provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of neuronal survival and identifies potential avenues for disease-modifying therapies.
▸Metadataorigin_type: v1_polymorphic_backfill
| slug | genes-timm13 |
| kg_node_id | TIMM13 |
| entity_type | gene |
| origin_type | v1_polymorphic_backfill |
| source_table | wiki_pages |
| wiki_page_id | wp-773b4d38ea16 |
| __merged_from | {'merged_at': '2026-05-13', 'unprefixed_id': 'genes-timm13'} |
| _schema_version | 1 |
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