This family consists of the yeast mitochondrial ribosomal proteins VAR1. Mitochondria possess their own ribosomes responsible for the synthesis of a small number of proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome. In yeast the two ribosomal RNAs and a single ribosomal protein, VAR1, are products of mitochondrial genes, and the remaining approximately 80 ribosomal proteins are encoded in the nucleus [1]. VAR1 along with 15S rRNA are necessary for the formation of mature 37S subunits [2].

1: Molecular genetics of the peptidyl transferase center and the unusual Var1 protein in yeast mitochondrial ribosomes. Mason TL, Pan C, Sanchirico ME, Sirum-Connolly K; Experientia 1996;52:1148-1157. PMID:8988258

2: Incorporation of the yeast mitochondrial ribosomal protein Mrp2 into ribosomal subunits requires the mitochondrially encoded Var1 protein. Davis SC, Ellis SR; Mol Gen Genet 1995;247:379-386. PMID:7770043