The mitochondrial ribosomal protein L11 (MRPL11) is a key component of the large 39S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis. Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) are responsible for translating mitochondrial DNA-encoded mRNAs, which produce subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes critical for ATP generation. MRPL11 plays a structural and functional role in mitoribosome assembly and stability, contributing to proper mitochondrial translation and energy metabolism.
Antibodies targeting MRPL11 are widely used to study mitochondrial biogenesis, ribosome composition, and defects in mitochondrial translation linked to diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and mitochondrial disorders. These antibodies enable the detection of MRPL11 expression levels via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), aiding in investigations of mitochondrial dysfunction.
MRPL11 antibodies are typically validated for specificity in recognizing the ~20 kDa protein across species, though post-translational modifications or splice variants may influence detection. Studies using these antibodies have revealed MRPL11's downregulation in certain cancers and its role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity under stress. Its interaction with other mitoribosomal proteins and regulatory factors is also a focus, highlighting its importance in cellular energy homeostasis. Reliable MRPL11 antibodies are thus vital tools for advancing mitochondrial biology and disease-related research.