MRPL54 is a mitochondrial ribosomal protein component of the large ribosomal subunit that functions in mitochondrial translation. As a structural constituent of the mitochondrial ribosome with RNA-binding capacity, MRPL54 participates in the translation of electron transport chain complex subunits critical for ATP production 1. In cancer biology, MRPL54 has emerged as a dysregulated RNA-binding protein across multiple malignancies. It was identified as one of four hub genes in a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where altered MRPL54 expression correlates with tumor progression and patient survival outcomes, contributing to a predictive signature with strong discriminatory ability (ROC-AUC 0.814) 2. Similarly, MRPL54 was ranked among the top RNA-binding proteins associated with breast cancer in machine-learning predictions of cancer-related proteins 3. Despite its association with cancer progression, functional studies demonstrate nuanced roles: reduced MRPL54 expression did not impair adenoma formation, intestinal proliferation, or metabolic parameters in a genetic mouse model of colorectal cancer 1. This suggests MRPL54's dysregulation may serve as a biomarker for cancer rather than a direct driver of tumorigenesis, highlighting its potential clinical utility in cancer prognosis and treatment stratification rather than as a therapeutic target.