Small ribosomal subunit protein S4 (S4)

The small ribosomal subunit protein S4 is an essential and highly conserved structural component of the bacterial 30S ribosome, encoded by the rpsD gene. S4 is one of the first proteins to bind to 16S rRNA and is critical for nucleating the assembly of the 30S subunit, organizing the accuracy domain together with proteins S5 and S12, and ensuring the correct folding and function of the ribosome during translation[1][2][4][6]. S4 plays a key role in maintaining the fidelity of translation, acts as a structural constituent of the ribosome, and is capable of binding both ribosomal RNA and certain mRNA regions to regulate its own biosynthesis[1][2][6]. Mutations in S4 can significantly alter translational fidelity (e.g., causing resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics), making it an important target for antibacterial drugs and an important determinant in the development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria[6].

Other names

30S ribosomal protein S4Ribosomal protein S4uS4rpsD (gene encoding S4)

Inhibition of protein synthesis by interfering with translational fidelity or ribosome assembly