Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L15 (MRPL15)

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L15 (MRPL15) is a nuclear-encoded protein that is a component of the 39S large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome[1][2]. MRPL15 is essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis and thus contributes to cellular energy production via oxidative phosphorylation. It plays a critical role in the translation of mitochondrial mRNAs into proteins required for mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes[1][2]. MRPL15 is upregulated in various cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer, and its elevated expression is associated with poor patient prognosis and advanced clinical features. Functional studies link MRPL15 to cellular metabolic functions, cell cycle regulation, DNA replication, and negative regulation of immune cell infiltration in tumors[4]. MRPL15 itself is not a direct therapeutic target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter) and, as of now, no approved drugs specifically target MRPL15. However, its upregulation serves as a biomarker for adverse outcomes in cancer, particularly NSCLC[4].

Other names

Large ribosomal subunit protein uL15mHSPC145L15mtMRP-L15MRP-L7RPML7uL15m39S ribosomal protein L15, mitochondrialmitochondrial large ribosomal subunit protein uL15m