5S ribosomal RNA pseudogene 228 (RNA5SP228)

5S ribosomal RNA pseudogene 228 (RNA5SP228) is a non-coding pseudogene in the human genome derived from the 5S ribosomal RNA gene family. Unlike canonical 5S rRNA, which is a 120-nucleotide RNA forming an essential part of the large ribosomal subunit for protein synthesis[1][3][5], pseudogenes such as RNA5SP228 are non-functional copies that arise through genomic duplication or retrotransposition. They lack the ability to be processed into mature, functional rRNA and are not typically transcribed or incorporated into ribosomes[4]. While some pseudogenes are transcribed and studied for their potential regulatory roles (such as acting as competing endogenous RNAs or influencing tumor biology)[2][6], most—including RNA5SP228—do not have confirmed biological function or disease association[4]. Pseudogenes are routinely annotated in genomic databases like GENCODE and Ensembl as rRNA_pseudogenes, indicating their origin and lack of protein-coding or canonical non-coding RNA function[4]. Functional 5S rRNA (not pseudogenes) is critical for ribosome assembly and protein translation, but this is not true of RNA5SP228[1][5]. There is no evidence that this pseudogene serves as a therapeutic target or biomarker. The presence of many 5S rRNA pseudogenes in the genome is a normal feature and does not indicate pathology[4]. Some studies suggest pseudogenes in general may have roles in gene regulation in cancer contexts, but this is not established for RNA5SP228 specifically[2].

Other names

RN5S228RNA, 5S ribosomal 228RNA5SP228

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