The MRPL39 antibody is a research tool designed to detect the mitochondrial ribosomal protein L39 (MRPL39), a component of the large subunit (39S) of the mitochondrial ribosome. MRPL39 plays a critical role in mitochondrial protein synthesis, supporting the assembly of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes essential for ATP production. As mitochondria are central to cellular energy metabolism and apoptosis, MRPL39 is implicated in maintaining mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of mitochondrial ribosomes, including MRPL39. has been linked to metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
The MRPL39 antibody is widely used in studies investigating mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in contexts like tumorigenesis, where altered mitochondrial metabolism is a hallmark. Researchers employ this antibody in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess MRPL39 expression levels, localization, and interactions. Validation often includes testing in knockdown models or mitochondrial-enriched fractions to confirm specificity.
Commercial MRPL39 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with clones validated for cross-reactivity in human, mouse, or rat samples. Proper controls, such as comparing wild-type and mitochondrial-depleted cells, are recommended to ensure accurate interpretation. Understanding MRPL39's role through antibody-based assays contributes to insights into mitochondrial diseases and therapeutic strategies targeting cellular energetics.