Ribosomal protein L7a pseudogene 16 (RPL7AP16)

Ribosomal protein L7a pseudogene 16 (RPL7AP16) is a processed pseudogene found in the human genome, sharing sequence homology with the protein-coding gene ribosomal protein L7a (RPL7A)[2][7][8]. As a processed pseudogene, RPL7AP16 does not produce a functional protein product and does not encode a ribosomal subunit. Pseudogenes such as RPL7AP16 generally arise through retrotransposition events in which mRNA is reverse-transcribed and reintegrated into the genome[5]. While classical pseudogenes were once considered "junk DNA," recent studies suggest that some pseudogenes may have non-coding regulatory roles, influencing the expression of their functional gene counterparts through mechanisms such as competing for microRNA binding[5]. However, there is no direct evidence that RPL7AP16 plays such a regulatory or disease-related role. It is not considered a drug target, receptor, enzyme, or signaling molecule. RPL7AP16 should not be confused with RPL7A, which is a bona fide ribosomal protein involved in the 60S ribosomal subunit critical for protein synthesis[3][4]. No approved drugs, biomarkers, or mechanisms of action are associated with RPL7AP16[7][8]. No known safety or therapeutic concerns are associated with this pseudogene.

Other names

RPL7A_2_43RPL7AP16