Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L24

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L24 (MRPL24) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MRPL24 gene. This protein is a component of the mitochondrial ribosome, which is specialized for the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins. The role of MRPL24, along with other mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, is crucial for the mitochondrial gene expression and the production of mitochondrial membrane proteins that are essential for the cell's energy production.

Function

MRPL24 is part of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome. Mitochondrial ribosomes, or mitoribosomes, are responsible for synthesizing proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome. These proteins are primarily involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, which is the cell's main mechanism for ATP production. MRPL24 plays a role in the assembly and stability of the mitoribosome, ensuring efficient protein synthesis within the mitochondria.

Gene

The MRPL24 gene is located on the human chromosome 17. It consists of several exons and introns that encode the MRPL24 protein. The regulation of this gene's expression is coordinated with the cell's energy demands and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the MRPL24 gene or the MRPL24 protein function can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting the cell's energy production. This can contribute to various mitochondrial diseases and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some neurodegenerative diseases and muscle diseases. However, the specific clinical manifestations related to defects in MRPL24 are still under investigation.

Evolution

The mitochondrial ribosome, including MRPL24, is believed to have evolved from the bacterial ribosome, reflecting the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria. The MRPL24 protein shares homology with certain bacterial ribosomal proteins, which supports this evolutionary relationship. The conservation of MRPL24 across different species highlights its fundamental role in mitochondrial protein synthesis.

See Also

• Mitochondrial DNA
• Gene expression
• Oxidative phosphorylation
• Mitochondrial disease