Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L44 (MRPL44)

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L44 (MRPL44) is a nuclear-encoded protein that is a component of the 39S large subunit of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome)[1][13]. It participates in mitochondrial protein synthesis, specifically facilitating translation and the assembly or stability of newly synthesized mitochondrial polypeptides as they exit the ribosome[1][13]. MRPL44 contains RNA-binding and ribonuclease III domains, implicating roles in RNA processing and ribosomal structure[2][7]. Mutations in MRPL44 are associated with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 16 (COXPD16), a severe mitochondrial disorder characterized by impaired energy production[1][2][6]. There is no evidence supporting direct therapeutic targeting, drug interaction, or use as a biomarker in clinical settings at this time. The protein is essential for mitochondrial function but is not considered a classic "drug target" such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter[1][13].

Other names

Large ribosomal subunit protein mL4439S ribosomal protein L44, mitochondrialL44mtMRP-L44mL44COXPD16FLJ12701FLJ13990MRPL44phMRPL44A0A024R4731810030E18Rik5730593H20Rik