Apoptogenic protein 1 (Apop1, also known as cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 8), previously thought to induce apoptosis through the Cyclophilin-D-dependent pathway [1], is required for cytochrome c oxidase (COX) assembly and function. Apop1 is controlled by the ubiquitination-proteasome system (UPS) [2]. In Drosophila melanogaster, Apop1 is also involved in neurological impairment, COX enzymatic activity, and resistance to oxidative stress conditions [3].

1: Apop-1, a novel protein inducing cyclophilin D-dependent but Bax/Bak-related channel-independent apoptosis. Yasuda O, Fukuo K, Sun X, Nishitani M, Yotsui T, Higuchi M, Suzuki T, Rakugi H, Smithies O, Maeda N, Ogihara T; J Biol Chem. 2006;281:23899-23907. PMID:16782708

2: APOPT1/COA8 assists COX assembly and is oppositely regulated by UPS and ROS. Signes A, Cerutti R, Dickson AS, Beninca C, Hinchy EC, Ghezzi D, Carrozzo R, Bertini E, Murphy MP, Nathan JA, Viscomi C, Fernandez-Vizarra E, Zeviani M; EMBO Mol Med. 2019; [Epub ahead of print] PMID:30552096

3: Knockdown of APOPT1/COA8 Causes Cytochrome c Oxidase Deficiency, Neuromuscular Impairment, and Reduced Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Brischigliaro M, Corra S, Tregnago C, Fernandez-Vizarra E, Zeviani M, Costa R, De Pitta C; Front Physiol. 2019;10:1143. PMID:31555154