40S ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3)

40S ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3) is a multifunctional protein encoded by the *RPS3* gene on chromosome 11. As a structural component of the small (40S) ribosomal subunit, RPS3 is critical for protein synthesis. Beyond its canonical ribosomal role, it exhibits endonuclease activity, contributing to DNA repair—particularly the repair of UV-induced and oxidative DNA damage—and interacts with DNA repair machinery such as OGG1 and UNG1. RPS3 also participates in transcriptional regulation (including roles in the NF-κB complex), modulates apoptosis (including neuronal apoptosis and death in response to DNA damage), and regulates aspects of the cell cycle and immune response. It is highly expressed in various cancers and can be secreted by malignant cells via an N-glycosylation–dependent mechanism, potentially serving as a marker of malignancy. While it has critical biological functions and disease associations, it is not currently considered a direct therapeutic target due to its essential role in cellular homeostasis[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Small ribosomal subunit protein uS3rpS3uS3S3OK/SW-cl.26FLJ26283FLJ27450MGC87870IMR-90 ribosomal protein S3

Not applicable; there are no direct drugs targeting RPS3 in clinical use or development