The NOB1 gene is located on chromosome 16q22.1 and encodes a protein consisting of 412 amino acids . The protein contains a highly conserved PIN domain, which is involved in RNA degradation, and a zinc ribbon domain with four conserved cysteines . These structural features are essential for its function in RNA metabolism and stability .
NOB1 is involved in the processing of pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) and the biogenesis of 40S ribosomal subunits . In yeast, NOB1 cleaves the 20S pre-rRNA at cleavage site D to produce mature 18S rRNA . This function is conserved in humans, where NOB1 interacts with pre-40S ribosomal particles and is required for the cytoplasmic conversion of 20S pre-rRNA to mature 18S rRNA .
NOB1 is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues such as the lung, liver, and spleen . Its core physiological function is to regulate protease activities and participate in maintaining RNA metabolism and stability . Given its essential role in ribosome assembly, NOB1 is critical for cellular protein synthesis and overall cellular function.