Essential component of the TIM23 complex, a complex that mediates the translocation of transit peptide-containing proteins across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Component of the TIM23 complex at least composed of timm23, timm17 and timm50. At 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf), it is highly expressed in the CNS, particularly in the brain tissues. The pattern is the same at 72 hpf. Massive apoptosis in the CNS, probably due to loss of mitochondrial function and increased cytochrome c release. Belongs to the TIM50 family.