This gene encodes a subunit of the TIM23 inner mitochondrial membrane translocase complex. The encoded protein functions as the receptor subunit that recognizes the mitochondrial targeting signal, or presequence, on protein cargo that is destined for the mitochondrial inner membrane and matrix. This protein may also play a role in maintaining the membrane permeability barrier, and knockdown of this gene in human cells results in the release of cytochrome c and apoptosis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016].