Small ribosomal subunit protein mS38, mitochondrial (AURKAIP1)

Small ribosomal subunit protein mS38, mitochondrial (AURKAIP1) is a mitochondrial matrix protein that functions as a constituent of the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, playing an indispensable role in mitochondrial protein synthesis. It also acts in the nucleoplasm and is involved in the negative regulation of Aurora kinase A (Aurora-A), a mitotic kinase and proto-oncogene. AURKAIP1 binds to Aurora-A and promotes its proteasome-dependent, ubiquitin-independent degradation, an activity critical for normal cell cycle progression and suppression of oncogenic transformation. Depletion of AURKAIP1 leads to defective mitochondrial protein synthesis, affecting cellular energy homeostasis, and altering cell cycle control[1][2][3]. Key points: - AURKAIP1 is a dual-function protein: a core structural mitochondrial ribosomal protein (mS38) and a regulator of mitotic kinase Aurora-A[1][3]. - Its canonical role is not as a classical drug target (receptor, enzyme, transporter) but as a ribosomal protein and regulator of cell cycle machinery[1][3]. - Manipulation of AURKAIP1 levels may influence mitochondrial translation and tumorigenic processes by altering Aurora-A degradation, implicating a disease linkage to cancer biology, though there are no known direct drugs or clinical biomarkers acting via AURKAIP1 as a primary molecular target[1][2][3]. - Common aliases include AURKAIP1, MRP-S38, AKIP, AIP, MRPS38, mS38[1][5].

Other names

Aurora kinase A interacting protein 1MRP-S38AKIPAIPMRPS38FLJ20608mS3828S ribosomal protein S38, mitochondrialAurora-A kinase interacting protein 1