Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L3 (MRPL3)

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L3 (MRPL3) is a structural protein of the 39S large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, encoded by nuclear DNA and imported into mitochondria[3][5]. MRPL3 is essential for the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins and for regulates oxidative phosphorylation, supporting cellular energy metabolism[1][3][5]. In cancer—especially pancreatic cancer—MRPL3 is upregulated and drives tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and facilitates immune evasion, making it a predictive biomarker for disease progression and survival[1]. Mutations in MRPL3 are implicated in mitochondrial diseases, particularly mitochondrial cardiomyopathy[3][5]. MRPL3 is considered a potential therapeutic target and biomarker candidate, though drug discovery is still at an early stage and tissue-specific safety concerns remain[1][3][5].

Other names

Large ribosomal subunit protein uL3mMRPL3MRL3RPML3L3mtMRP-L3uL3m39S ribosomal protein L3, mitochondrialCOXPD9

Not applicable (no known drugs directly target MRPL3 to date). Experimental evidence shows that gene silencing or knockout of MRPL3 leads to suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells[1].