Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L12

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MRPL12, or mitochondrial ribosomal protein L12, is a protein made from the MRPL12 gene in humans. It is one of the proteins that build the mitochondrial ribosome, the small machine inside cells that makes other proteins in the mitochondria.

Where it comes from and where it works
- The MRPL12 gene is located on chromosome 17 (band 17q25.3). It is encoded in the nucleus and the protein is then imported into mitochondria to be part of the mitochondrial ribosome.
- Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomal proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and function inside the mitochondrion.

What it does
- MRPL12 is a component of the large 39S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome and can form homodimers (pairs of the same protein).
- In mitochondria, ribosomes are made up of a 28S small subunit and a 39S large subunit, and about 75% of the mitoribosome’s mass is protein (not RNA), which is a higher protein-to-RNA ratio than in bacterial ribosomes. Bacteria use a different arrangement where two L7/L12 dimers and an L10 protein form the L8 complex.

Where it is found
- MRPL12 is broadly expressed in many tissues, with higher levels in tissues such as the heart (including the apex and left ventricle), skeletal muscle, liver, kidneys, and other tissues like the mucosa of the esophagus and colon.

Why it matters
- As part of the mitochondrial ribosome, MRPL12 helps translate mitochondrial genes into proteins that are essential for energy production and normal cell function.