Why are Mitochondrial Ribosomes Important in Cancer?
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of cancer. Alterations in mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) can affect mitochondrial function, leading to altered energy metabolism and enhanced cell survival. Cancer cells often exhibit a metabolic shift known as the Warburg effect, where they rely on glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen. This shift is partly due to mitochondrial dysfunction, making mitoribosomes a focal point of interest in cancer research.
