Based on limited published evidence, HIGD1C is a mitochondrial protein containing a hypoxia-inducible domain that functions in mitochondrial respirasome assembly through protein binding interactions. It is almost exclusively expressed in carotid body chemoreceptors, where it interacts with electron transport chain complex IV and enhances sensitivity to hypoxic stress 1. HIGD1C is required for oxygen sensing by carotid body glomus cells, enabling their specialized role as hypoxia sentinels that trigger cardiorespiratory reflexes in response to reduced oxygen availability 1.