MRPL1 (mitochondrial ribosomal protein L1) is a structural constituent of the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit that functions in mitochondrial translation, including translational termination and elongation 1. MRPL1 binds RNA and participates in mRNA binding within the mitochondrion, contributing to mitochondrial energy metabolism 1. The gene is regulated by the nuclear receptors Nur77 and YY1, which synergistically enhance MRPL1 expression to increase mitochondrial abundance and metabolic activity, particularly in macrophages 2. Clinically, MRPL1 expression is significantly altered in several diseases. High MRPL1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients and represents a potential prognostic biomarker 1. MRPL1 has been identified as a candidate gene with potential mutations associated with asbestos exposure in lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma 3. Conversely, MRPL1 is downregulated as a hub gene in COVID-19-related depression, suggesting dysregulated mitochondrial translation in this condition 4. Additionally, MRPL1 was identified as a biomarker candidate gene in asymptomatic Alzheimer's disease, indicating its involvement in cognitive resilience mechanisms 5. These findings suggest MRPL1 serves dual roles as both a disease biomarker and therapeutic target across multiple conditions affecting mitochondrial function.