Human cytosolic 80S ribosome (80S ribosome) (80S ribosome)

The human cytosolic 80S ribosome is the primary molecular machine responsible for protein synthesis within the cytoplasm of human cells (Khatter et al., 2015, Nature). It is a large ribonucleoprotein complex composed of a small 40S subunit and a large 60S subunit, which together coordinate the decoding of mRNA and the catalysis of peptide bond formation (Anger et al., 2013, Nature). While the ribosome is a fundamental cellular component, it serves as a therapeutic target in specific contexts, most notably in oncology where rapidly dividing cancer cells exhibit a high demand for protein synthesis (Pelletier et al., 2015, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). For example, Omacetaxine mepesuccinate is an FDA-approved drug that binds to the ribosomal A-site to inhibit protein translation in leukemia patients (Gandhi et al., 2014, Clinical Cancer Research). Additionally, the 80S ribosome is the target of potent biological toxins like ricin and is frequently hijacked by viruses to produce viral proteins (Grela et al., 2019, Molecules). Dysfunctions in ribosomal components lead to a class of genetic diseases called ribosomopathies, characterized by bone marrow failure and increased cancer risk (Narla & Ebert, 2010, Blood).

Other names

Eukaryotic 80S ribosomeCytoplasmic ribosome80S translation complexHuman 80S ribosome

Inhibition of protein synthesis by blocking translation initiation, elongation, or peptidyl transferase activity (Gandhi et al., 2014, Clinical Cancer Research).