60S ribosomal protein L13a (RPL13A)

60S ribosomal protein L13a (RPL13A) is a structural component of the large ribosomal subunit in eukaryotes, belonging to the L13P family of ribosomal proteins[1][3][6]. This protein is encoded by the RPL13A gene in humans and is primarily located in the cytoplasm, where it is incorporated into the 60S ribosomal subunit and participates in the formation of the mature 80S ribosome[1][3]. RPL13A has a primary role in protein synthesis, serving as a critical part of the ribosomal architecture needed for mRNA translation[5]. In mammals, RPL13A also exhibits distinct extra-ribosomal functions. Upon stimulation by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), L13a can be released from the 60S ribosome and assemble into the GAIT (Gamma-interferon activated inhibitor of translation) complex, where it mediates the specific translational silencing of mRNAs encoding certain inflammatory proteins[4]. This mechanism plays a role in controlling the immune response. RPL13A is further essential for early embryonic development, as demonstrated in knockout mouse models where its absence arrests embryos at the morula stage and disrupts normal gene expression linked to inflammation, pluripotency, and cellular lineage specification[4]. Despite this, RPL13A is generally not considered a direct therapeutic target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter). No FDA-approved or clinical-stage drugs directly target RPL13A, and it is not currently used as a biomarker or drug-interacting protein in patient selection or efficacy monitoring[1][3][4][6]. However, its regulatory role in inflammation and development means it may be of research interest in disease models related to translation control and immune response. There are no notable safety concerns or therapeutic challenges directly associated, as there is no current therapeutic targeting of RPL13A, though systemic loss has demonstrated embryonic lethality in animal models, indicating its critical cellular functions[4].

Other names

Large ribosomal subunit protein uL13L13AuL1323 kDa highly basic proteinTSTA1 (tissue specific transplantation antigen 1)epididymis secretory sperm binding proteinhighly basic protein 23 kDa