Ribosomal protein L23a pseudogene 3 (RPL23AP3)

Ribosomal protein L23a pseudogene 3 (RPL23AP3) is one of many processed pseudogenes derived from the ribosomal protein L23a (RPL23A). It does not typically encode a functional protein but may produce a long non-coding RNA. Recent studies report that RPL23AP3 is *differently expressed* in melanoma compared to normal tissue, with higher expression correlating to better overall survival and increased immune cell infiltration in patients. Although it serves as a potential biomarker for patient prognosis and immune profile in melanoma, there is no evidence it acts as a druggable target, nor does it function as an enzyme, receptor, transporter, or ion channel. No drugs are known to interact specifically with this pseudogene, and it is not implicated as a therapeutic target[2][4][6]. RPL23AP3 belongs to a large group of ribosomal protein pseudogenes; its molecular functions remain largely uncharacterized, but generally, pseudogenes may have regulatory roles impacting gene expression and cellular phenotype[3][4][5]. RPL23AP3 should not be confused with the parent gene RPL23A, which encodes a structural ribosomal protein and is associated with protein synthesis, possible autoimmune activities, and has roles documented in cancer biology[3][5].

Other names

RPL23A_37_1729RPL23AP3[1][2][4]