5S ribosomal RNA pseudogene 526 (RNA5SP526)

5S ribosomal RNA pseudogene 526 (RNA5SP526) is part of a large family of 5S rRNA pseudogenes found in the human genome. Pseudogenes like RNA5SP526 are typically formed by retrotransposition or duplication of active ribosomal RNA genes, but they accumulate mutations or deletions that prevent them from producing functional ribosomal RNA. While traditionally labeled as "junk" DNA, some pseudogenes can be transcribed and may participate in regulatory networks by affecting gene expression—often through RNA-based mechanisms such as generating regulatory RNAs, acting as microRNA sponges, or contributing to RNA interference pathways[1][2][3]. However, most 5S rRNA pseudogenes, including RNA5SP526, do not have validated biological or disease roles, are not directly druggable, and are not established as clinical biomarkers. Their classification as pseudogenes, rather than coding genes, is supported by sequence homology to ribosomal RNA and characteristic disabling mutations[3][4].

Other names

RNA5SP526