MRPL12 Antibody

Introduction

The MRPL12 Antibody is a polyclonal rabbit-derived immunoglobulin (IgG) designed to detect the mitochondrial ribosomal protein L12 (MRPL12), a 21 kDa nuclear-encoded protein critical for mitochondrial translation and transcription regulation. This antibody is widely used in molecular biology research to study MRPL12’s role in cancer, mitochondrial gene expression, and immune modulation. Below is a detailed analysis of its applications, research findings, and practical considerations.

Structure and Function of MRPL12

MRPL12 is a homodimeric protein localized to the mitochondrial matrix, where it forms part of the large ribosomal subunit (LRS). It interacts directly with mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) to regulate transcription and translation processes . Notably, MRPL12 exists in two functional states:

• Ribosome-associated: Integral to mitochondrial translation machinery.

• Free: Acts as a transcriptional activator by binding POLRMT .

Applications of the MRPL12 Antibody

Role in Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD)

• Prognostic Biomarker: High MRPL12 expression correlates with poor survival in LUAD patients, as validated by tissue microarrays .

• Immune Modulation: MRPL12 negatively regulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., CD8+ T cells, macrophages), suggesting a role in immune evasion .

Transcriptional Regulation

• POLRMT Interaction: MRPL12 stimulates mitochondrial transcription by binding POLRMT, enhancing promoter-dependent RNA synthesis .

• Ribosome Biogenesis: Free MRPL12 coordinates mitochondrial transcription with ribosomal assembly, linking protein synthesis to gene expression .

Therapeutic Implications

• Cancer Targeting: MRPL12 knockdown inhibits LUAD cell proliferation and invasion, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target .

• Oxidative Phosphorylation: MRPL12’s role in mitochondrial energy metabolism positions it as a candidate for targeting cancer metabolism .

Protocols and Technical Considerations

Limitations and Considerations

• Cross-Reactivity: No reported off-target binding, but verify specificity for novel applications.

• Species Variability: Reactivity confirmed in human, mouse, rat, and zebrafish .

• Sample Handling: Mitochondrial localization requires optimized fixation and permeabilization .

References

1. Liu et al. (2023). MRPL12 Acts as A Novel Prognostic Biomarker Involved in Immune Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

2. He et al. (2007). Human Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein MRPL12 Interacts Directly with POLRMT.

3. MRPL12 Antibody Product Information (Proteintech, 2025).

4. MRPL12 Antibody Specifications (Proteintech, 2025).

5. Gaspari et al. (2011). Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L12 Selectively Associates with POLRMT.