Essential MCU regulator, mitochondrial (Smdt1)

Essential regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complicated (uniplex), a complex that mediates calcium uptake into mitochondria (PubMed:27001609). Required to bridge the calcium-sensing proteins MICU1 and MICU2 with the calcium-conducting subunit MCU.

Plays a central role in regulating the uniplex complicated response to intracellular calcium signaling. Acts by mediating activation of MCU and retention of MICU1 to the MCU pore, in order to guarantee tight regulation of this uniplex complicated and proper responses to intracellular calcium signaling (By similarity).