Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L13 (MRPL13)

The predicted 203-amino acid protein has a calculated molecular mass of 23.6 kD and is rich in lysine and arginine. It shares 94% amino acid identity with the mouse and bovine proteins. Northern blot analysis detected 1.2- and 0.8-kb transcripts in human brain. Expression of Mrpl13 was ubiquitous in bovine tissues.A gamma-interferon (IFNG)-activated inhibitor of translation (GAIT) element in the 3-prime UTR of ceruloplasmin (CP) is required for IFNG-mediated silencing of CP translation. The MRPL13 protein has an N-terminal leucine zipper and a basic leucine zipper domain in its C-terminal half.Released MRPL13 specifically bound the GAIT element in the 3-prime UTR of CP and silenced CP translation. L13A bound EIF4G (EIF4G1) at its EIF3-binding site and interfered with recruitment of 43S to the ribosomal complex.