RNA, 5S ribosomal pseudogene 141 (RNA5SP141)

RNA, 5S ribosomal pseudogene 141 (RNA5SP141) is a non-coding RNA pseudogene derived from the 5S ribosomal RNA gene family. Unlike functional 5S rRNA, which is a structural and functional component of the large ribosomal subunit, RNA5SP141 does not contribute to ribosome assembly or protein synthesis[3][5][7]. Instead, its significance is primarily as a ligand for the RIG-I innate immune receptor: during infection by DNA viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), RNA5SP141 is upregulated and relocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, it is recognized by RIG-I, triggering a robust interferon-beta (IFN-β) response, and thus contributes to the cellular antiviral defense[2][4][6]. Under normal conditions, RNA5SP141 is shielded and not detected by RIG-I, but viral-induced changes expose it to immune sensing. It is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or a transcription factor, and currently has no known disease roles outside virus-host interactions, no known drugs or biomarkers, and is not the subject of therapeutic interventions[1][2][4][6].

Other names

RN5S141RNA, 5S ribosomal 141RNA5SP141