Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L22 (MRPL22)

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomal proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and help in protein synthesis within the mitochondrion. Among different species, the proteins comprising the mitoribosome differ greatly in sequence, and sometimes in biochemical properties, which prevents easy recognition by sequence homology.

MRPL22 encodes a 39S subunit protein that belongs to the L22 ribosomal protein family. A pseudogene corresponding to this gene is found on chromosome 4q. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.The deduced 223-amino acid human MRPL22 protein contains a 33-amino acid N-terminal mitochondrial import signal. The human and rodent MRPL22 proteins are highly similar, except for their C termini.