Core component of the MITRAC (mitochondrial translation regulation assembly intermediate of cytochrome c oxidase complex) complex, that regulates cytochrome c oxidase assembly. MITRAC complexes regulate both translation of mitochondrial encoded components and assembly of nuclear-encoded components imported in mitochondrion. Required for efficient translation of MT-CO1 and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV assembly. Along with COX14, core component of the MITRAC (mitochondrial translation regulation assembly intermediate of cytochrome c oxidase complex) complex (Probable) (PubMed:23260140). Interacts with MT-CO1/COX1, SMIM20, SURF1 and TIMM21 (PubMed:26321642). The disease may be caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the COA3 family.