May act as a negative regulator of Aurora-A kinase, by down-regulation through proteasome-dependent degradation. Component of the mitochondrial ribosome small subunit (28S) which comprises a 12S rRNA and about 30 distinct proteins (By similarity). Interacts with Aurora-A. Ubiquitously expressed and especially highly expressed in heart, skeletal muscle and testis. Belongs to the mitochondrion-specific ribosomal protein mS38 family.