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Mitochondrial protein Mrpl4 is required for zebrafish intestinal development

Lei Li1,2, Xinkai Cheng1,2, Chenglin Liu1,2

  • 1Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education) and Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.

FEBS Letters
|February 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L4 (Mrpl4) is crucial for zebrafish intestinal development. Its absence causes growth defects and inflammation, highlighting Mrpl4

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (Mrps) have roles beyond protein synthesis.
  • Mitochondrial ribosomal protein L4 (Mrpl4) is notably expressed in the larval zebrafish intestine.
  • The precise function of Mrpl4 in intestinal development is currently unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological role of Mrpl4 in zebrafish intestinal development.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Mrpl4's function in the intestine.

Main Methods:

  • Generation and analysis of mrpl4 knockout zebrafish.
  • Assessment of intestinal growth, maturation, and epithelial integrity.
  • Evaluation of Notch signaling pathway activation in mutant fish.

Main Results:

  • mrpl4 knockout fish exhibit significant defects in intestinal growth and maturation.
  • Intestinal epithelial integrity is compromised in mutants, leading to inflammation.
  • Notch signaling is downregulated in mrpl4 mutants, and its reactivation partially rescues intestinal defects.

Conclusions:

  • Mrpl4 is essential for normal zebrafish intestinal development.
  • Mrpl4 influences intestinal epithelial integrity and inflammatory responses.
  • Notch signaling is involved in the mechanism by which Mrpl4 regulates intestinal development.
Keywords:
Mrpl4Notch signalingintestinal developmentzebrafish

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