Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L16 (MRPL16)

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L16 (MRPL16) is a protein encoded by nuclear DNA that is integrated into the large (39S) subunit of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome. It plays a crucial role as a structural component in the assembly and stabilization of the mitochondrial ribosome required for protein translation within the mitochondrion. Unlike cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal proteins—including MRPL16—show significant sequence divergence among species, making their identification by homology more challenging. MRPL16 has been implicated in rare inherited mitochondrial disorders, such as combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency, due to its essential role in mitochondrial gene expression and energy production. Its function is widely conserved in eukaryotes, and it is primarily involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis, but it is not considered a direct or actionable therapeutic target in pharmacology.

Other names

L16mtMRP-L16PNAS-111uL16m39S ribosomal protein L16FLJ20484mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit protein uL16m

Not applicable; no existing drugs target this protein directly.