Mrto4, short for MRT4 Homolog, Ribosome Maturation Factor, is involved in ribosome biogenesis [4]. It contains a C-terminal extension similar to ribosomal P proteins and undergoes phosphorylation, with serines in its acidic C-termini phosphorylated by CK2 kinase [4]. This modification impacts its molecular behavior during nucleolar stress, suggesting a role in connecting ribosome biogenesis with cellular metabolism [4].

In cancer research, Mrto4 is often upregulated in various cancer cells. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is an independent prognostic risk factor. Mrto4 accelerates glycolysis of HCC cells by inhibiting ALDOB, promoting cell proliferation and invasion while suppressing apoptosis [1]. It also has implications in the tumor microenvironment of HCC, with overexpression associated with poor prognosis, and it is correlated with the stage and grade of HCC patients, as well as drug sensitivity [2]. In colorectal cancer, Mrto4 is highly expressed, potentially influencing its progression [3]. Bioinformatics analysis in colorectal cancer also identified Mrto4 as a hub gene in co-expression modules related to novel lncRNAs, which may be involved in cancer-related cellular pathways [5]. In infiltrative gastric cancer, Mrto4 was among the top 10 up-regulated proteins, and the up-regulated proteins were enriched in processes like DNA replication and ribosome biogenesis [6].

In summary, Mrto4 plays crucial roles in ribosome biogenesis and is significantly involved in the progression of multiple cancers, including HCC, colorectal cancer, and infiltrative gastric cancer. Studies on Mrto4, especially through its role in various disease-related biological processes, provide potential therapeutic targets for these cancers.