40S ribosomal protein S16 (RPS16)

40S ribosomal protein S16 (RPS16) is a protein component of the small 40S ribosomal subunit in eukaryotic cells, encoded by the RPS16 gene. It is a member of the S9P family of ribosomal proteins and resides in the cytoplasm[1][2][3][4]. RPS16 binds specifically and with high affinity to regions of the 18S rRNA, promoting proper rRNA folding and ribosome assembly. In addition to its structural role, RPS16 participates in an autoregulatory feedback mechanism that controls its own pre-mRNA splicing, thus fine-tuning its synthesis according to cellular biogenesis needs. RPS16 is regulated by microRNAs (such as miR-7641 and let-7 family), which are involved in cellular stress responses, including antiviral activity and sensitivity to chemotherapy in cancer cells. Although RPS16 is implicated as a marker in certain diseases (notably Diamond-Blackfan anemia and some cancers), it is not itself a canonical drug target, but its regulatory mechanisms may be exploited for therapeutic benefit[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Small ribosomal subunit protein uS940S ribosomal protein S16S16uS9RS16_HUMANRPS16

Not applicable; no drugs directly target RPS16. However, targeting microRNAs (e.g., let-7 family, miR-7641) that regulate RPS16 expression may alter cellular responses in cancer or viral infection.