Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L21 (MRPL21)

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L21 (MRPL21) is a protein localized in the mitochondrial matrix where it serves as a key structural component of the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit (39S). MRPL21 is encoded by a nuclear gene and imported into mitochondria to facilitate synthesis of proteins required for mitochondrial energy generation through oxidative phosphorylation. Unlike prokaryotic ribosomes, mammalian mitoribosomes have a higher proportion of protein to rRNA and lack certain rRNA sequences such as 5S rRNA. MRPL21 may also play a role in regulating mitochondrial apoptosis and cellular energy metabolism. Mutations in MRPL21 have been associated with rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. No evidence supports MRPL21 as a direct therapeutic drug target or clinical biomarker at present.

Other names

L21mtMRP-L21bL21m39S ribosomal protein L21 (mitochondrial)Large ribosomal subunit protein bL21m