Component of the MITRAC (mitochondrial translation regulation assembly intermediate of cytochrome c oxidase complex) complex (By similarity). Regulates cytochrome c oxidase assembly (PubMed:17210671, PubMed:23838831, PubMed:24911525). Component of the MITRAC (mitochondrial translation regulation assembly intermediate of cytochrome c oxidase complex) complex, the core components of this complex being COA3/MITRAC12 and COX14. Interacts with COA3. Results in smaller animals with mild decreased motor skills, enhanced working spatial and recognition memory, and increased longevity (PubMed:17210671, PubMed:23838831, PubMed:24911525). Increases global and regional cerebral blood flow (PubMed:23838831). Increases lactate levels in blood and brain, and increases glucose consumption in the brain (PubMed:17210671, PubMed:23838831, PubMed:24911525). Increases hydrogen peroxide production and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, but decreases COX activity and respiration (PubMed:17210671, PubMed:21167962, PubMed:23838831, PubMed:24911525). In the brain, increases Hif1a and phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein levels (PubMed:23838831). In the brain, increases resistance to calcium-related excitotoxic brain damage (PubMed:17210671). In skeletal muscles, results in mitochondrial unfolded protein response (PubMed:24911525). In the heart, results in elevated Nfe2l2 and Hmox1 expression (PubMed:24911525). Primary cultures of mutant neuronal cells show reduced sensitivity to glutamate-induced cytosolic calcium signal and impaired mitochondrial calcium uptake without changing the mitochondrial structure and membrane potential (PubMed:17210671). Primary cultures of phrenic and central vagus nerves show increased respiratory frequency and altered response to systemic hypoxia and hypercapnia (PubMed:21167962). Belongs to the SURF1 family.