Ribosomal protein S18 pseudogene 4 (RPS18P4)

Ribosomal protein S18 pseudogene 4 (RPS18P4) is a processed pseudogene that is related in sequence to the functional RPS18 gene, which encodes a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit involved in protein synthesis. As a pseudogene, RPS18P4 does not encode a functional protein product; instead, it represents a non-coding sequence that arose via duplication or retrotransposition of the original RPS18 gene. While most pseudogenes were historically considered non-functional, more recent evidence suggests some can play regulatory roles (e.g., as miRNA decoys or siRNA sources) or are transcribed in certain contexts, thus potentially affecting the expression of their parental genes or others. However, no such functional regulatory role has been clearly established for RPS18P4 specifically. RPS18P4 is distinct from the functional RPS18 gene and does not encode ribosomal protein S18. The parent gene, ribosomal protein S18 (RPS18), is involved in protein synthesis and associated with Diamond-Blackfan anemia when mutated. The pseudogene classification means it is not considered a classical drug target, receptor, enzyme, or transporter. There are no known drugs or established mechanisms of action that target pseudogenes like RPS18P4, nor is it used as a biomarker or has notable safety concerns in therapeutics.

Other names

RPS18_1_117RPS18P4ENSG00000231029