Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S28 (MRPS28) is a protein encoded by the MRPS28 gene in humans. This protein is a component of the small 28S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome), which plays a crucial role in protein synthesis within the mitochondrion . Mitoribosomes are distinct from their prokaryotic counterparts in several ways, including their higher protein-to-rRNA ratio and the absence of a 5S rRNA .
The MRPS28 gene is located on chromosome 8 in humans and is responsible for encoding the 28S ribosomal protein S28, also known as bS1m . This protein is situated at the mRNA exit channel of the mitoribosome, facilitating the translation process . The gene is expressed in various tissues, including the adrenal gland, skeletal muscle, and hypothalamus .
MRPS28 is essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis, which is critical for the proper functioning of the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating the energy required for various cellular processes through oxidative phosphorylation. The mitoribosome, comprising the small 28S subunit and the large 39S subunit, is responsible for translating mitochondrial mRNAs into functional proteins .
The recombinant form of MRPS28 can be produced using various expression systems, such as bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells. The gene encoding MRPS28 is cloned into an appropriate expression vector, which is then introduced into the host cells. The recombinant protein is subsequently purified using techniques like affinity chromatography, ensuring high purity and yield .
MRPS28, like other ribosomal proteins, undergoes various post-translational modifications that can affect its function and stability. These modifications include phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation. Analyzing these modifications is crucial for understanding the protein’s role in mitochondrial translation and its potential involvement in mitochondrial diseases .
Mutations in the MRPS28 gene have been associated with several mitochondrial disorders, including Combined Oxidative Phosphorylation Deficiency 47 and Abdominal Obesity-Metabolic Syndrome 1 . These conditions highlight the importance of MRPS28 in maintaining mitochondrial function and overall cellular health.