Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L20 (MRPL20)

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L20 (MRPL20) is a nuclear-encoded protein that constitutes a component of the large 39S subunit of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome). MRPL20 plays a structural role, supporting mitochondrial translation by participating in the assembly and function of the mitoribosome, which synthesizes mitochondrial-encoded proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation and cellular energy metabolism. Unlike cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins, MRPL20 is specific to the mitochondrion and displays sequence variation across species. Defects in MRPL20 or its expression have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and, in rare cases, with diseases such as autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson disease. There are currently no known drugs that specifically target MRPL20, nor is it considered a direct therapeutic target, but its role in fundamental mitochondrial protein synthesis is critical for normal cell function.

Other names

bL20mL20mtMRP-L20FLJ1002439S ribosomal protein L20, mitochondrialmitochondrial large ribosomal subunit protein bL20mLOC642393LOC6872532610008D01Rik4930425I20Rik