NDUFA1, or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A1, is an essential component of Complex I in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which plays a critical role in transferring electrons from NADH to ubiquinone. NDUFA1 shows ubiquitous expression across various tissues, with particularly high levels in the kidney and colon, indicating its fundamental role in cellular respiration. Research has indicated that NDUFA1 may have prognostic significance in certain types of cancer, reflecting its role in tumor metabolism and progression. NDUFA1 has also been shown to play a protective role in the heart by enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics and coordinating the assembly of respiratory complexes and supercomplexes, which can protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury.