Fig. 2

RNA-binding proteins participate in both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein translation. Subunits of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex are encoded by both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and the balance of the two translation systems ensures energy production. Mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins, such as RNaseP, ELAC2, PTCD2, PAPD1, PDE12, LRPPRC, TACO1, C1QBP, and MITRAC15, are involved in mitochondrial RNA processing, polyadenylation, degradation, and mRNA translation. After translation in the cytoplasm, these proteins are transported into the mitochondria through TOM and TIM channels to exert their functions. In addition, mitochondrial retrograde signals, such as ATP, ROS, DELE1, RNASET2, and LARP1, can also regulate cytoplasmic protein translation