The function of CDK5RAP1 (CDK5RAP1 mitochondrial tRNA methylthiotransferase, ENSG00000101391) is as follows. Methylthiotransferase that catalyzes the conversion of N6- (dimethylallyl)adenosine (i(6)A) to 2-methylthio-N6- (dimethylallyl)adenosine (ms(2)i(6)A) at position 37 (adjacent to the 3'-end of the anticodon) of four mitochondrial DNA-encoded tRNAs (Ser(UCN), Phe, Tyr and Trp) (PubMed:22422838, PubMed:25738458, PubMed:28981754). Essential for efficient and highly accurate protein translation by the ribosome (PubMed:22422838, PubMed:25738458, PubMed:28981754). Specifically inhibits CDK5 activation by CDK5R1 (PubMed:11882646). Essential for efficient mitochondrial protein synthesis and respiratory chain; shows pathological consequences in mitochondrial disease (PubMed:25738458). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:11882646, ECO:0000269|PubMed:22422838, ECO:0000269|PubMed:25738458, ECO:0000269|PubMed:28981754}.