Ribosomal protein L21 pseudogene 40 (RPL21P40)

Ribosomal protein L21 pseudogene 40 (RPL21P40) is a processed pseudogene—an inactive DNA sequence with high similarity to the protein-coding gene RPL21, which encodes the ribosomal protein L21, a component of the large 60S ribosomal subunit. Pseudogenes like RPL21P40 do not encode functional proteins. Recent research indicates that some ribosomal protein pseudogenes may play a regulatory role in gene expression, such as acting as competitive endogenous RNAs that modulate the parental gene expression via RNA interference pathways under some pathophysiological conditions (e.g., chronic stress, depression). RPL21P40 itself is not recognized as a drug target and does not have direct clinical relevance, but its parent gene (RPL21) is associated with rare genetic diseases such as hereditary hypotrichosis simplex. RPL21P40 is a pseudogene, not a functional protein or therapeutic target. It may participate in RNA-based regulation of ribosomal protein L21 (RPL21) expression but is not directly actionable as a target. No drugs, biomarkers, or safety concerns are associated.

Other names

RPL21P40RPL21_10_356RPL21P40 (formal alias)

Not applicable (no drugs or pharmacological agents act directly on this pseudogene)