Mitochondrial helicase involved in mtDNA replication and repair (PubMed:12975372, PubMed:15167897, PubMed:17324440, PubMed:18039713, PubMed:18971204, PubMed:25824949, PubMed:26887820, PubMed:27226550). Might have a role in mtDNA repair (PubMed:27226550). Has DNA strand separation activity needed to form a processive replication fork for leading strand synthesis which is catalyzed by the formation of a replisome complex with POLG and mtSDB (PubMed:12975372, PubMed:15167897, PubMed:18039713, PubMe

Mitochondrion matrix, mitochondrion nucleoidMitochondrion inner membrane

Progressive external ophthalmoplegia with mitochondrial DNA deletions, autosomal dominant, 3

A disorder characterized by progressive weakness of ocular muscles and levator muscle of the upper eyelid. In a minority of cases, it is associated with skeletal myopathy, which predominantly involves axial or proximal muscles and which causes abnormal fatigability and even permanent muscle weakness. Ragged-red fibers and atrophy are found on muscle biopsy. A large proportion of chronic ophthalmoplegias are associated with other symptoms, leading to a multisystemic pattern of this disease. Additional symptoms are variable, and may include cataracts, hearing loss, sensory axonal neuropathy, ataxia, depression, hypogonadism, and parkinsonism.