RPS26

RPS26, ribosomal protein S26, is a component of the small 40S subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome. In humans, it is encoded by the RPS26 gene. The protein is part of the mature 40S subunit that participates in mRNA binding and decoding during translation, and it is implicated in ribosome biogenesis through assembly with 18S rRNA and neighboring ribosomal proteins in the nucleolus before being exported to the cytoplasm.

RPS26 is a small, highly basic protein rich in lysine and arginine residues, characteristics typical of ribosomal proteins that interact with rRNA. Its exact position within the 40S subunit has been described in high-resolution structures, where it interfaces with 18S rRNA and neighboring proteins.

Evolutionarily, RPS26 is conserved among eukaryotes, with orthologs in yeast (Rps26A and Rps26B) and other model organisms, reflecting its essential role in translation. Gene expression is widespread across tissues, consistent with a housekeeping function.

Clinical relevance: Mutations or haploinsufficiency of RPS26 have been implicated in Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a congenital ribosome assembly disorder characterized by anemia and growth retardation. Altered expression of ribosomal proteins, including RPS26, has also been observed in various cancers and may reflect changes in ribosome biogenesis.

Research notes: RPS26 is used as a marker of ribosomal subunits in proteomic studies, and structural biology has provided details of its positioning in the 40S subunit via cryo-electron microscopy.

Related topics include ribosomal protein S26 and Diamond-Blackfan anemia.