MRPS17

MRPS17 (Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S17) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MRPS17 gene. This gene is located on chromosome 7 and is involved in the process of mitochondrial protein synthesis.

Function

MRPS17 is a component of the small 28S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome. Mitochondrial ribosomes, or mitoribosomes, are responsible for protein synthesis within the mitochondrion. Unlike prokaryotic ribosomes, mitoribosomes have a higher protein to rRNA ratio and do not contain a 5S rRNA. The proteins that comprise the mitoribosome vary greatly in sequence and sometimes in biochemical properties across different species, which can make them difficult to identify by sequence homology alone.

Structure

The mitochondrial ribosome is composed of a small 28S subunit and a large 39S subunit. MRPS17 is one of the proteins that make up the 28S subunit. The structure of MRPS17, like other mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, is adapted to function within the unique environment of the mitochondrion.

Clinical Significance

Mutations in the MRPS17 gene can lead to defects in mitochondrial protein synthesis, which may result in mitochondrial dysfunction. This can contribute to a variety of mitochondrial diseases, which are often characterized by symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, particularly those with high energy demands such as the brain and muscles.

Related Genes

MRPS17 is one of many genes encoding mitochondrial ribosomal proteins. Other related genes include MRPS12, MRPS18, and MRPS28, which also encode components of the mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit.

See Also

• Mitochondrial ribosome
• Mitochondrial DNA
• Mitochondrial disease
• Ribosomal protein

External Links

• [Link to related internal page]