Diseases Studied
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 20 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.
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All Diseases > Complex IV Deficiency
Complex IV Deficiency
Alternative Names: Mitochondrial Complex IV Deficiency (MC4DN); Complex 4 Mitochondrial Respiratory chain Deficiency; Cytochrome C Oxidase Deficiency (COX Deficiency)
Disease Category: Mitochondrial Disorders
An inherited, multisystemic, mitochondrial disorder characterized by protein complex IV deficiency. Shortage of this protein complex (structure made up of multiple proteins) disrupts the fourth step of oxidative phosphorylation, the process by which mitochondria (specialized cell structures) produce most of the body's energy. Signs include Leigh syndrome, encephalopathy (brain disease), lack of coordination, feeding difficulties, hypotonia (low muscle tone), muscle weakness, seizures, lactic acidosis (high blood lactate levels), intellectual disability, developmental regression (loss of acquired skills), heart disease, and kidney or liver problems.
Research groups studying this disease
Mitochondrial Disorders
North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium (NAMDC)
MitoAction
Improves quality of life for people affected by mitochondrial disease through education, outreach, advocacy, and clinical research initiatives.
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Promotes research and education for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of mitochondrial disorders while providing support to those affected.