Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S31 (MRPS31)

MRPS31 encodes a 28S subunit protein that has also been associated with type 1 diabetes; however, its relationship to the etiology of this disease remains to be clarified. Pseudogenes corresponding to this gene have been found on chromosomes 3 and 13.

The deduced 384-amino acid protein has a 54-amino acid N-terminal mitochondrial import signal. Northern blot analysis detected variable imogen-38 expression in all mouse tissues examined. In vitro translation and transfection experiments suggested that the protein is synthesized as a 44-kD protein that is processed to the native 38-kD form. Centrifugation experiments and immunofluorescence studies confirmed mitochondrial localization of imogen-38.