The human ETFA gene encodes the Electron-transfer-flavoprotein, alpha subunit, also known as ETF-α. Together with Electron-transfer-flavoprotein, beta subunit, encoded by the 'ETFB' gene, it forms the heterodimeric electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF). The native ETF protein contains one molecule of FAD and one molecule of AMP, respectively.
First reports on the ETF protein were based on ETF isolated from porcine liver.
Porcine and human ETF transfer electrons from mitochondrial matrix flavoenzymes to Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) encoded by the ETFDH gene. ETF-QO subsequently relays the electrons via ubiquinone to complex III in the respiratory chain. The flavoenzymes that transfer electrons to ETF are involved in fatty acid beta oxidation, amino acid catabolism, choline metabolism, and special metabolic pathways. Defects in either of the ETF subunits or ETFDH cause multiple acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (OMIM # 231680), earlier called glutaric acidemia type II. MADD is characterized by excretion of a series of substrates of the upstream flavoenzyes, e.g. glutaric, lactic, ethylmalonic, butyric, isobutyric, 2-methyl-butyric, and isovaleric acids.
