Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cardiac Hypertrophy:
MRPS5 antibody was used to validate MRPS5 knockdown in mouse models, revealing its role in mitochondrial cristae integrity and OXPHOS regulation. Loss of MRPS5 disrupted mitochondrial translation, leading to pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure .
Cardiac Regeneration:
Heterozygous deletion of MRPS5 (Mrps5+/-) increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and improved post-MI recovery in mice. This effect was linked to ATF4-mediated metabolic reprogramming .
Cancer Research:
The antibody detected MRPS5 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma studies, where mitochondrial OXPHOS pathways influenced chemo-resistance .
Mitonuclear Coordination:
MRPS5 deficiency activates Klf15, a transcription factor that reprograms cardiac metabolism by balancing glycolysis and OXPHOS .
Structural Impact:
Loss of MRPS5 collapses mitochondrial cristae, impairing ATP synthesis and triggering compensatory ribosomal biogenesis pathways .
Western Blot: Clear bands at 38–42 kDa in HEK-293, HeLa, and Jurkat lysates .
Immunohistochemistry: Robust staining in human kidney tissues with TE buffer antigen retrieval .
Cross-reactivity with non-human species not fully validated.
Optimal dilution varies by tissue type and experimental setup.
MRPS5 (Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S5) is a structural protein that forms part of the 28S small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome. It plays a crucial role in mitochondrial protein synthesis, specifically in the assembly of the mitochondrial ribosome, which is essential for the translation of proteins encoded by mitochondrial DNA. These proteins are primarily components of the electron transport chain involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ATP generation .
The mitochondrial ribosome, composed of a 28S small subunit and a 39S large subunit, is responsible for translating 13 specific proteins encoded by mitochondrial DNA. These proteins are integral to cellular energy metabolism as they form essential components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain . MRPS5 has also been identified as a longevity-related protein that can regulate lifespan through mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders .
For optimal detection of MRPS5 via Western blot, several critical steps should be followed:
Lysate preparation: Total cell lysates from cell lines such as HeLa, Jurkat, HEK-293, or HepG2 have shown good results for MRPS5 detection. Standard lysis buffers containing protease inhibitors are recommended .
Protein loading: Approximately 30 μg of protein per lane has been shown to be sufficient for detection .
Gel selection: 10% SDS-PAGE gels are commonly used for separation of MRPS5, which has a predicted molecular weight of 48 kDa but is typically observed at 38-42 kDa .
Transfer conditions: Standard semi-dry or wet transfer protocols are suitable.
Blocking: 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST is typically used.
Antibody incubation: Primary antibody dilutions of 1:500-1:3000 have been shown to be effective, with overnight incubation at 4°C yielding optimal results .
Detection method: Both chemiluminescence and fluorescence-based detection systems are compatible.
It should be noted that the observed molecular weight (38-42 kDa) may differ from the calculated molecular weight (48 kDa) due to post-translational modifications or protein processing .
Proper experimental controls are essential for validating MRPS5 antibody specificity and ensuring reliable results:
Positive controls: Cell lines with confirmed MRPS5 expression such as HEK-293, HeLa, HepG2, and Jurkat cells have been validated as suitable positive controls .
Negative controls:
Omission of primary antibody while maintaining all other steps
Use of isotype-matched control antibodies (rabbit IgG for polyclonal antibodies)
MRPS5 knockdown or knockout cells, if available
Loading controls: Mitochondrial markers such as VDAC or COX IV can be used to normalize MRPS5 expression to mitochondrial content rather than total cellular protein.
Subcellular fractionation control: When studying mitochondrial localization, proper fractionation should be validated using markers for mitochondria (VDAC), cytosol (GAPDH), and nuclear (Lamin B) compartments .
Recombinant protein: Purified recombinant MRPS5 can serve as a definitive positive control for antibody validation .
Research has demonstrated that MRPS5 expression levels significantly correlate with prognosis in certain cancers, particularly clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC):
In ccRCC, MRPS5 expression was found to be downregulated in tumoral tissues compared to peritumoral tissues. This was confirmed by multiple detection methods including qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining .
A comprehensive study of 160 ccRCC patient samples revealed that:
The expression level of MRPS5 significantly correlated with several clinicopathological parameters:
Patients with low MRPS5 expression demonstrated:
Multivariate analysis identified MRPS5 expression as an independent predictor of:
MRPS5 plays a critical role in maintaining the accuracy of mitochondrial translation, with mutations in this protein leading to mistranslation:
Experimental models using directed mutagenesis of MRPS5 have demonstrated that specific mutations can lead to mitoribosomal mistranslation. For example, the V336Y mutation in human MRPS5 corresponds to known ribosomal ambiguity mutations in homologous proteins and results in increased mistranslation .
The mechanism involves:
Structural alterations: The V336Y mutation introduces a large aromatic tyrosine residue that causes steric hindrance within the C-terminal domain of MRPS5 .
Measurable mistranslation effects:
Aminoglycoside sensitivity: Cells with MRPS5 mutations show heightened sensitivity to aminoglycoside-induced mistranslation, similar to cells carrying the pathogenic A1555G mutation in mitochondrial 12S rRNA .
Reduced complex IV/complex II activity ratio in mitochondria
Decreased ATP levels
Increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS)
These findings establish MRPS5 as a critical determinant of mitochondrial translation accuracy and link mistranslation to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Recent research has revealed that MRPS5 manipulation represents a novel approach to study and potentially enhance cardiac regeneration:
A breakthrough study demonstrated that deletion of a single allele of MRPS5 in mice (Mrps5+/-) results in:
Elevated cardiomyocyte proliferation
Enhanced cardiac regeneration
The molecular mechanism involves:
Mitochondrial stress response activation: Heterozygous loss of MRPS5 inhibits mitochondrial translation, creating mitonuclear protein imbalance .
ATF4 upregulation: ATF4 (activating transcription factor 4) was identified as a key regulator of this mitochondrial stress response in cardiomyocytes from Mrps5+/- mice .
Knl1 regulation: ATF4 regulates Knl1 (kinetochore scaffold 1), leading to an increase in cytokinesis during cardiomyocyte proliferation .
The importance of this pathway was confirmed through genetic studies:
Deletion of one Atf4 allele in Mrps5+/- mice (creating Mrps5+/-/Atf4+/- double heterozygotes) attenuated cardiomyocyte proliferation
This genetic modification also resulted in loss of cardiac regenerative capacity
This mechanism appears to be conserved across species, as MRPS5 inhibition or doxycycline treatment (which also inhibits mitochondrial translation) activated similar regulatory mechanisms in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, increasing their proliferation .
These findings have significant implications for understanding cardiac regeneration and developing potential therapeutic strategies for heart repair.
MRPS5 has emerged as a crucial regulator of mitonuclear communication—the informational flow from mitochondria to the nucleus—particularly during cardiac stress:
Comprehensive studies of MRPS5 function in cardiac development and disease have demonstrated that:
Loss of Mrps5 in developing heart leads to cardiac defects and embryonic lethality
Postnatal loss of Mrps5 induces cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure
The cellular consequences of MRPS5 deficiency in cardiomyocytes include:
Disrupted mitochondrial structure and function
Impaired mitochondrial protein translation
Mechanistic investigations revealed:
Klf15 as a downstream target: Mrps5 regulates the expression of Krüppel-like factor 15 (Klf15)
Rescue by Klf15: Exogenous Klf15 expression can rescue defects caused by Mrps5 deficiency and rebalance the cardiac metabolome
Repression mechanism: Mrps5 represses Klf15 expression through c-myc, together with the metabolite L-phenylalanine
This intricate regulation of nuclear gene expression by a mitochondrial ribosomal protein illustrates how disruption of mitochondrial translation can trigger compensatory nuclear responses through metabolic signaling pathways.
The identification of this MRPS5-Klf15 axis in mitonuclear communication highlights potential therapeutic targets for heart failure and other conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction .
Genetic variations in MRPS5 have been associated with susceptibility to specific diseases, with detailed mechanisms beginning to emerge:
A rare missense variant in MRPS5, rs200730619 (c. 95108402T>C [p. Tyr137Cys]), was identified through whole exome sequencing as a contributing factor to leprosy risk:
Validated in 369 cases and 270 controls of Chinese descent
Showed significant association: P adjusted = 0.006, odds ratio (OR) = 2.74
Functional studies revealed that:
mRNA levels of MRPS5 were downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with Mycobacterium leprae sonicate
This suggests MRPS5 may be involved in the host immune response to the pathogen
The proposed mechanism involves:
Defective MRPS5 potentially leading to impaired energy metabolism in host immune cells
Resulting in defects in clearing M. leprae
Additionally, the pathogenic A1555G mutation in mitochondrial 12S rRNA, which causes maternally transmitted deafness, has mechanistic connections to MRPS5 function:
Both A1555G mutation and MRPS5 mutations can cause mitoribosomal mistranslation
They show similar sensitivity to aminoglycoside-induced translation errors
This suggests common pathways through which different genetic variants can disrupt mitochondrial function
These findings illustrate how variations in mitochondrial ribosomal components can influence disease susceptibility through effects on protein translation, energy metabolism, and immune cell function.
Proper storage and handling of MRPS5 antibodies are crucial for maintaining their performance and specificity over time:
Storage conditions:
Most MRPS5 antibodies should be stored at -20°C
They remain stable for one year after shipment when stored properly
For antibodies supplied in small volumes (20 μl), aliquoting is generally unnecessary for -20°C storage
Storage buffer composition:
Typically contains PBS with 0.02-0.03% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3-7.4
Handling recommendations:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (more than 5)
When removing from storage, thaw on ice or at 4°C
Mix gently by inverting the tube several times rather than vortexing
Briefly centrifuge before opening to collect solution at the bottom of the tube
Keep on ice during experiments and return to -20°C promptly after use
Wear gloves when handling to prevent contamination
Working solution preparation:
Dilute only the amount needed for each experiment
Use high-quality, freshly prepared buffers
For Western blot applications, prepare dilutions in blocking buffer containing 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST
Following these recommendations will help ensure consistent antibody performance across experiments and maximize the useful life of the reagent.
Validating MRPS5 knockdown or knockout models requires a multi-faceted approach to confirm the success of genetic manipulation and assess functional consequences:
Molecular validation techniques:
mRNA expression analysis:
Protein expression analysis:
Genomic validation:
Functional validation approaches:
Mitochondrial translation assessment:
Mitochondrial function tests:
Cell proliferation and viability:
Tissue-specific phenotypes:
When establishing heterozygous models (e.g., MRPS5+/-), careful quantification of the degree of MRPS5 reduction is particularly important, as these models often show specific phenotypes distinct from complete knockout models .
Accurate measurement of mitochondrial translation is essential when studying MRPS5 function or its manipulation. Several complementary approaches can be employed:
Radioactive labeling techniques:
35S-Methionine incorporation assay:
Requires inhibition of cytoplasmic translation (typically with cycloheximide or emetine)
Pulse-labeling with 35S-methionine for 30-60 minutes
Followed by SDS-PAGE separation and phosphorimaging or autoradiography
Allows quantification of total mitochondrial translation rate
Can be analyzed both quantitatively (total signal) and qualitatively (pattern of translated products)
Pulse-chase analysis:
Extends the above method with a "chase" period using non-radioactive methionine
Enables assessment of protein stability and turnover rates
Critical for distinguishing translation defects from degradation effects
Non-radioactive methods:
Click chemistry approaches:
Uses non-radioactive methionine analogs (e.g., L-azidohomoalanine, AHA)
Detection via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition
Compatible with various detection systems including fluorescence and biotin-streptavidin
Puromycin incorporation:
Nascent peptide chains incorporate puromycin at their C-termini
Detection via anti-puromycin antibodies
Useful for measuring active translation sites
Translation accuracy assessment:
Amino acid misincorporation analysis:
Read-through assessment:
Mass spectrometry:
Precise identification of mistranslated residues
Can provide comprehensive proteome-wide view of translation errors
Controls and considerations:
Always include wild-type cells/tissues as positive controls
For aminoglycoside studies, include dose-response curves
Normalize to mitochondrial content using markers like VDAC
Account for potential changes in mitochondrial mass when comparing samples
Consider parallel assessment of cytoplasmic translation for comparison
These methods collectively provide a comprehensive assessment of both the quantity and quality of mitochondrial translation in the context of MRPS5 studies.
Researchers may encounter several challenges when using MRPS5 antibodies for Western blot applications. Here are common issues and their solutions:
Potential causes and solutions:
Insufficient protein amount: Increase loading to 30-50 μg per lane
Inefficient transfer: Optimize transfer conditions; consider extended transfer time for this 48 kDa protein
Antibody concentration too low: Try higher primary antibody concentration (up to 1:500)
Degraded antibody: Use fresh aliquot and verify storage conditions
Low MRPS5 expression: Confirm expression in your sample type; use positive controls like HeLa or HEK-293 lysates
Potential causes and solutions:
Predicted vs. observed weight discrepancy: MRPS5 is calculated to be 48 kDa but often observed at 38-42 kDa; this is normal
Non-specific binding: Increase blocking time/concentration; try different blocking reagents (milk vs. BSA)
Cross-reactivity: Use higher antibody dilution (1:2000-1:3000); try different antibody clone
Degradation products: Add fresh protease inhibitors; keep samples cold; reduce processing time
Post-translational modifications: This could be biologically relevant; verify with additional antibodies
Potential causes and solutions:
Insufficient blocking: Increase blocking time to 1-2 hours; try 5% BSA instead of milk
Antibody concentration too high: Dilute primary antibody further (1:2000-1:3000)
Insufficient washing: Increase number and duration of wash steps
Membrane issues: Use fresh PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane; pre-wet properly
Detection system too sensitive: Reduce exposure time; dilute ECL reagent
Potential causes and solutions:
Variable sample preparation: Standardize lysis protocol; use the same buffer consistently
Antibody variability: Use the same lot number when possible; make large aliquots
Loading control issues: Verify equal loading with multiple controls (e.g., GAPDH, β-actin)
Transfer inconsistency: Use pre-stained markers to verify transfer; consider stain-free technology
Sample degradation: Prepare fresh lysates; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Additional optimization tips:
When troubleshooting, change only one variable at a time
Document all experimental conditions meticulously
For mitochondrial proteins like MRPS5, enriching for mitochondrial fraction can improve detection
Consider using gradient gels (4-12%) for better resolution around the target molecular weight
For publication-quality blots, test multiple antibody concentrations side by side
Distinguishing between specific and non-specific binding is crucial for accurate interpretation of results when using MRPS5 antibodies. Several strategies can help researchers ensure specificity:
Validation controls:
Genetic knockdown/knockout validation:
Competing peptide blocking:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide/recombinant protein
Specific signals should be blocked while non-specific signals persist
Particularly useful for validating novel antibodies or applications
Multiple antibodies approach:
Technical approaches:
Antibody titration:
Stringent washing conditions:
Increase washing stringency (more TBS-T washes, higher Tween-20 concentration)
Specific binding is typically more resistant to stringent washing
Optimize washing without compromising true signal
Subcellular fractionation:
Analytical considerations:
Molecular weight analysis:
Relative abundance assessment:
MRPS5 expression varies by tissue/cell type but follows predictable patterns
Unusually high expression in unexpected tissues may indicate non-specific binding
Compare with published expression data or RNA-seq databases
Biological validation:
By implementing these approaches systematically, researchers can confidently distinguish between specific MRPS5 detection and non-specific binding artifacts.
The emerging role of MRPS5 in cardiac function and regeneration presents promising therapeutic opportunities for cardiac diseases:
Mechanistic basis for therapeutic targeting:
Partial inhibition approach:
ATF4-mediated proliferation pathway:
Mitonuclear communication:
Potential therapeutic strategies:
Small molecule MRPS5 modulators:
Partial inhibitors could mimic the beneficial effects of heterozygous deletion
Screening libraries of FDA-approved drugs may identify compounds that modulate MRPS5 function
Targeted drug delivery to the heart would be essential to minimize off-target effects
Antibiotic repurposing:
Gene therapy approaches:
AAV-delivered RNAi targeting MRPS5 could achieve partial knockdown
CRISPR-based transcriptional repression (CRISPRi) could provide tunable reduction
Cardiac-specific promoters would ensure tissue-specific effects
Downstream target modulation:
Therapeutic monitoring considerations:
Biomarkers for response:
Changes in mitochondrial function parameters (ATP levels, ROS production)
Cardiomyocyte proliferation markers (Ki67, EdU incorporation)
Cardiac function measurements (echocardiography)
Safety monitoring:
Mitochondrial translation accuracy (potential mistranslation effects)
Tissue-specific effects beyond the heart
Long-term consequences on mitochondrial health
These therapeutic strategies require careful development to balance beneficial effects on cardiac regeneration against potential disruption of mitochondrial function in the heart and other tissues.
The relationship between MRPS5 and cancer appears to be complex and context-dependent, with contrasting roles across different cancer types:
Tumor suppressor role in renal cell carcinoma:
In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), multiple lines of evidence support a tumor suppressor role:
Potential oncogenic role in other cancers:
Contrasting observations have been made in other cancer types:
Bladder cancer:
MRPS5 expression is higher in tumoral tissues than in peritumoral tissues
MRPS5 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation
Cell cycle arrest occurs in the S phase following MRPS5 inhibition
Cancer stem cell related transcription factors (c-Myc, Sox2, Oct4, Nanog) decrease after MRPS5 inhibition
Tumorigenicity in nude mice is reduced following MRPS5 knockdown
Papillary thyroid carcinoma:
Proposed mechanisms linking MRPS5 to cancer:
Mitochondrial translation effects:
Mitonuclear communication:
Stress response modulation:
The tissue-specific effects of MRPS5 in cancer highlight the importance of context in mitochondrial biology and suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting MRPS5 would need to be carefully tailored to specific cancer types and molecular profiles.
MRPS5 has intriguing connections to aging and longevity pathways through its central role in mitochondrial translation and cellular metabolism:
Established connections to longevity:
C. elegans studies:
Mitochondrial translation accuracy:
Stress response pathways:
Potential mechanisms linking MRPS5 to aging:
Translational implications:
Pharmacological opportunities:
Biomarker potential:
MRPS5 function or downstream responses might serve as biomarkers of aging
These could include measures of mitochondrial translation accuracy or specific stress responses
Tissue-specific considerations:
The intersection of MRPS5 function with aging pathways represents a promising area for future research, particularly in understanding how mitochondrial translation quality control influences cellular and organismal aging.
Selecting the appropriate MRPS5 antibody requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure optimal performance for specific applications:
Application-specific considerations:
Western blot (WB):
Immunohistochemistry (IHC):
ELISA:
Immunoprecipitation (IP):
Fewer antibodies are validated for this application
Look for specific IP protocols provided by the manufacturer
Technical specifications to evaluate:
Epitope information:
Host species and clonality:
Species reactivity:
Purification method:
Validation evidence to assess:
Publication record:
Antibodies used in peer-reviewed publications offer greater confidence
Check if the antibody has been used in similar experimental contexts
Validation data:
Lot-to-lot consistency:
Manufacturer's quality control data
Certificate of analysis for each lot
Some manufacturers offer guaranteed lot-to-lot consistency
Additional practical considerations:
Sample compatibility:
Experimental controls:
Cost and quantity:
Balance between cost and quantity needed for planned experiments
Consider long-term needs for experimental reproducibility