Small ribosomal subunit protein uS7 (uS7)

Small ribosomal subunit protein uS7 is a highly conserved structural protein found in the small (30S/40S) subunit of the ribosome in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. In humans, it is encoded by the RPS5 gene and commonly referred to as 40S ribosomal protein S5; in bacteria, it is encoded by rpsG and termed 30S ribosomal protein S7. uS7 plays a central role in ribosome assembly, specifically binding to ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and nucleating the formation of the small subunit's head domain. It participates in mRNA and tRNA interactions at the decoding center of the ribosome, influencing translation initiation, translation fidelity, and proper reading frame maintenance. As an essential ribosomal protein, uS7 is not considered a selective therapeutic target; inhibition impairs general translation and is cytotoxic. There are no established roles as a biomarker or specific drug target, though some antibiotics and translation inhibitors affect the ribosome as a whole.

Other names

40S ribosomal protein S5 (humans)30S ribosomal protein S7 (bacteria)RPS5 (human gene)rpsG (bacterial gene)

Not established as a direct drug target; potential association with drugs impacting ribosomal function and translation as a secondary or off-target effect