Component of the 39S subunit of mitochondrial ribosome. May have a function in the assembly/stability of nascent mitochondrial polypeptides exiting the ribosome. Component of the mitochondrial ribosome large subunit (39S) which comprises a 16S rRNA and about 50 distinct proteins. Belongs to the ribonuclease III family. Mitochondrion-specific ribosomal protein mL44 subfamily.