Unraveling the role of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma

This project has been funded thanks to the Joint Call Fondazione Cariplo and Fondazione Telethon 2025.

Hepatocellular carci¬noma (HCC) ranks the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. While it is now well-established that mitochondria, the so-called "powerhouses" of the cell, are deeply involved in HCC progression, the role of the protein components of these organelles still needs to be clarified. The aim of this project is to propose the mitochondrial ribosomal protein L37 (MRPL37) as a main actor in HCC evolution, demonstrating its cruciality in modulating tumor growth, invasion, stemness and drug resistance. In this context, this study may open to the identification of a new diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.