Eukaryotic ribosomal 60S subunit (60S ribosomal subunit)

The **eukaryotic ribosomal 60S subunit** is the large component of the eukaryotic cytosolic ribosome, a fundamental ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for cytoplasmic protein synthesis. It is composed of three ribosomal RNAs (28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNAs) and approximately 47-49 proteins, forming a structure essential for catalyzing peptide bond formation through the peptidyl transferase center[2][3][7][8]. The 60S subunit also features important functional regions such as the polypeptide exit tunnel, the A-, P-, and E-sites for tRNA binding, and the GTPase-associated center for interaction with key translation factors[2][5]. It joins the 40S small subunit to assemble the functional 80S ribosome and participates in translation elongation and termination[2][7]. Being indispensable for protein biosynthesis, it is a critical therapeutic target for a range of antibiotics and toxins that halt its function, and its dysfunction is implicated in various cancers, inherited ribosomopathies, and cellular responses to infection[2][3][5][8].

Other names

60S large subunitlarge ribosomal subunit (60S)eukaryotic 60S subunitribosomal large subunit (eukaryotic)60S subunit

Inhibition of peptide bond formation (e.g., cycloheximide blocks the translocation step in translation on the 60S) Inhibition of ribosomal function by rRNA depurination (e.g., ricin modifies a single adenine in the 28S rRNA, disabling the peptidyl transferase center) Disruption of ribosome assembly or function