Abnormal Expression of Mitochondrial Ribosomal Proteins and Their Encoding Genes with Cell Apoptosis and Diseases

Abstract

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes translate 13 proteins encoded by mitochondrial genes, all of which play roles in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. After a long period of reconstruction, mitochondrial ribosomes are the most protein-rich ribosomes. Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) are encoded by nuclear genes, synthesized in the cytoplasm and then, transported to the mitochondria to be assembled into mitochondrial ribosomes. MRPs not only play a role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Moreover, they participate in the regulation of cell state as apoptosis inducing factors. Abnormal expressions of MRPs will lead to mitochondrial metabolism disorder, cell dysfunction, etc. Many researches have demonstrated the abnormal expression of MRPs in various tumors. This paper reviews the basic structure of mitochondrial ribosome, focuses on the structure and function of MRPs, and their relationships with cell apoptosis and diseases. It provides a reference for the study of the function of MRPs and the disease diagnosis and treatment.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals HgCl2 Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Lung Carcinoma H1299 Cells through Caspase-3-Independent Pathway

“…In contrast, the identified genes, including mitochondrial ribosomal protein s14 (MRPS18), 15, and 21, were downregulated by exposure to HgCl 2 in H1299 cells. Recent findings regarding the mitochondrial ribosomal protein reported that the dysregulated MRPs (Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins) affects mitochondrial metabolism disorder, cell dysfunction leading to apoptosis [ 34 ]. Furthermore, mercury ions specifically blocked synthesis of ribosomal RNA whereas activity of RNA polymerase II remained unchanged [ 35 ].…”

Ribosome Biogenesis and Cancer: Overview on Ribosomal Proteins

“…Among the multiple regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, recent studies have reported the involvement of some MRPs [ 71 ].…”

“…The oncogenicity of bS16m (MRPS16) and mL42 in the development of glioma has been recently demonstrated. In particular, the overexpression of bS16m promotes the migration and invasion of glioma cells by activating PI3K/Akt/Snail axis [ 71 , 91 ].…”

“…The expression of several MRPs has also been found altered in different cancers, suggesting that, as with cytosolic RPs, MRPs could have a potential prognostic value [ 71 ]. In particular, in breast cancer, uL15m (MRPL15), uL13m (MPRL13) and mL54 (MPRL54) protein levels correlated with cancer recurrence, distant metastasis and prognosis.…”

Prognostic Value and Related Regulatory Networks of MRPL15 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

“…High MRPL13 promoted invasion in liver cancer cells (16). Apart from participating in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the new roles for MRPs in cellular apoptosis and proliferation have been revealed (17). Actually, research has declared that MRPS29 promotes apoptosis through its interactions with Fas ligand (18).…”