Key regulator of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) that senses calcium level via its EF-hand domains (PubMed:20693986, PubMed:23101630, PubMed:23747253, PubMed:24313810, PubMed:24332854, PubMed:24503055, PubMed:24560927, PubMed:26341627, PubMed:26903221, PubMed:27099988). MICU1 and MICU2 form a disulfide-linked heterodimer that stimulates and inhibits MCU activity, depending on the concentration of calcium. MICU1 acts both as an activator or inhibitor of mitochondrial calcium uptake (PubMed:26903221). Acts as a gatekeeper of MCU at low concentration of calcium, preventing channel opening (PubMed:26903221). Enhances MCU opening at high calcium concentration, allowing a rapid response of mitochondria to calcium signals generated in the cytoplasm (PubMed:24560927, PubMed:26903221). Regulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells by regulating mitochondrial calcium uptake (PubMed:22904319). Induces T-helper 1-mediated autoreactivity, which is accompanied by the release of IFNG (PubMed:16002733).
