Mitochondrial translational activator MSS51 (MSS51)

Mitochondrial translational activator MSS51 is a nuclear-encoded protein that localizes to the mitochondria and is essential for the specific translation of the COX1 mRNA, which encodes cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, a core component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain[1][2]. MSS51 acts at both the untranslated regions (UTRs) and coding sequence of mitochondrial COX1 mRNA, directly promoting translation of COX1 and physically interacting with nascent Cox1 protein. This dual role allows it to couple Cox1 protein synthesis with its assembly into the cytochrome c oxidase complex, effectively providing a regulatory checkpoint that helps maintain mitochondrial respiratory efficiency and protein homeostasis[2]. While formally characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a homologous gene (ZMYND17) exists in humans, but its functional role remains unclear. No current therapeutic targeting or disease associations are established for MSS51, and it is not considered a druggable target or a receptor[1][2].

Other names

Putative protein MSS51 homolog, mitochondrialZMYND17FLJ39565Zinc finger MYND domain-containing protein 17Zinc finger, MYND domain containing 17Zinc finger, MYND-type containing 17

Not applicable (no direct drugs known to target MSS51)