Ribosomal protein L23A (RPL23A) is a crucial component found within the larger 60S subunit of ribosomes, cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. Ribosomes, composed of a small 40S subunit and a large 60S subunit, consist of 4 RNA species and approximately 80 distinct proteins. Belonging to the L23P family of ribosomal proteins, RPL23A is localized in the cytoplasm. Studies suggest that Recombinant Human Ribosomal Protein L23A might be involved in pathways regulating growth inhibition. In yeast, the corresponding protein exhibits specific binding to a distinct site on the 26S rRNA.
Ribosomal Protein L23A (RPL23A) is a component of the 60S subunit of the ribosome, which is essential for protein synthesis in cells . This protein belongs to the L23P family of ribosomal proteins and is located in the cytoplasm . The ribosome itself is a large ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, a fundamental process for cellular function and growth .
The RPL23A gene encodes the ribosomal protein L23A and is co-transcribed with several small nucleolar RNA genes, including U42A, U42B, U101A, and U101B, which are located in its introns . The gene is known to have multiple processed pseudogenes dispersed throughout the genome, which is typical for genes encoding ribosomal proteins .
RPL23A plays a crucial role in the assembly and function of the ribosome. It binds to a specific region on the 26S rRNA, which is essential for the ribosome’s structural integrity and function . Additionally, RPL23A may be involved in mediating growth inhibition by interferon, indicating its potential role in cellular response to external stimuli .
Human recombinant RPL23A is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the RPL23A gene into an expression vector and introducing it into a host cell, such as E. coli or yeast. The host cells then produce the RPL23A protein, which can be purified and used for various research and therapeutic applications.
Mutations or dysregulation of RPL23A have been associated with certain diseases, such as Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, a rare genetic disorder characterized by failure of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells . Understanding the function and regulation of RPL23A is crucial for developing potential therapeutic strategies for such conditions.
Recombinant RPL23A is widely used in research to study ribosome structure and function, protein synthesis, and the cellular response to stress and external stimuli. It is also used in drug development and screening assays to identify compounds that can modulate ribosome function.