Nop10

**NOP10**

NOP10 is a protein encoded by the *NOP10* gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 19 in humans (19q13.3). This gene belongs to the nucleolar protein family, which plays a critical role in ribosomal biogenesis, the process by which cells synthesize ribosomes—the molecular machines essential for protein synthesis. NOP10 is a component of the small ribosomal subunit precursor, interacting with other nucleolar proteins such as NOP2, NOP56, and NOP58 to form the early assembly factors required for ribosome maturation.

Structurally, NOP10 is a small, highly conserved protein that contains a domain involved in RNA binding. It is primarily localized in the nucleolus, where it participates in the assembly of the 60S ribosomal subunit precursor. Disruptions in NOP10 function have been linked to developmental disorders, including Noonan syndrome and other ribosomopathies, which can manifest as growth retardation, intellectual disability, and skeletal abnormalities. Mutations in NOP10 have also been associated with congenital disorders of glycosylation, a group of metabolic conditions characterized by impaired glycosylation of proteins and lipids.

Research into NOP10 has expanded with the discovery of its role in cancer biology. Some studies suggest that NOP10 may influence cell proliferation and survival, potentially serving as a marker or therapeutic target in certain types of tumors. However, its exact mechanisms in cancer remain under investigation. Advances in genomics and proteomics continue to refine our understanding of NOP10’s physiological and pathological functions, highlighting its importance in both normal cellular processes and disease states.