Mediates the uptake of pyruvate into mitochondria. The functional 150 kDa pyruvate import complex is a heteromer of MPC1 and either MPC2 or MPC3. Mainly expressed when grown on lactate containing growth medium (PubMed:22628554). Expression regulated by osmotic and alkaline stresses (PubMed:15299026, PubMed:16087739, PubMed:17334841). Under the control of the SKO1 transcription factor (PubMed:16087739). Grows more slowly in amino acid-free medium (SD), when combined with disruption of MPC2. Present with 6750 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) (TC 2.A.105) family.