40S ribosomal protein S12 (RPS12)

40S ribosomal protein S12 is a structural component of the small 40S subunit of eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomes, encoded by the RPS12 gene in humans[1][3]. It belongs to the S12E family of ribosomal proteins and is essential for accurate mRNA decoding during translation. The human form is located in the cytoplasm as part of the machinery that catalyzes cellular protein synthesis. Increased expression has been observed in certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer[1]. While not a direct therapeutic target itself, its bacterial and mitochondrial homologs are targeted by aminoglycoside antibiotics due to their role in translational fidelity; these drugs bind near or at this site on prokaryotic/mitochondrial small subunits to disrupt normal function[4][5].

Other names

Ribosomal protein S12RPS12Small ribosomal subunit protein uS12 (in bacteria)30S ribosomal protein S12 (bacterial homolog)

Inhibition of translation by binding to the small ribosomal subunit and interfering with decoding fidelity or tRNA selection[4][5]