Large ribosomal subunit protein bL35m (mitochondrial) (MRPL35)

Large ribosomal subunit protein bL35m (MRPL35) is a nuclear-encoded protein that is incorporated into the large 39S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome)[3][5][7]. It is essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis and thus for proper mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism[5][2]. MRPL35 is robustly expressed in tissues and is highly conserved across species[3][2]. Dysfunction or altered expression of MRPL35 has been associated with changes in cell proliferation, invasion, and glutamine metabolism, particularly in the context of non-small cell lung cancer, where it promotes tumor growth by upregulating SLC7A5 expression[1]. Its core role is structural—helping assemble the mitoribosome for translation of mitochondrial mRNAs. While MRPL35 is not a classic druggable target (e.g., receptor or enzyme), recent research points to its potential as a therapeutic target due to its emergent roles in cancer metabolism[1]. There are currently no approved drugs targeting MRPL35, likely reflecting the essential nature of the mitochondrial translation machinery and the safety risks of systemic inhibition[2][5].

Other names

MRPL35Large ribosomal subunit protein bL35mL35mtMRP-L35bL35m39S ribosomal protein L35, mitochondrialBM-007Mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit protein bL35m