RPS24 (Ribosomal Protein S24) is a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit essential for eukaryotic protein synthesis. As part of the small ribosomal subunit, RPS24 plays a critical role in translation initiation, elongation, and termination [1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10953023/). The protein is encoded by the RPS24 gene located on chromosome 10q22 and is evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes from yeast to humans [2](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15214843/).
Ribosomal proteins like RPS24 are fundamental to all cellular life, serving as the structural and functional components of the ribosome. The eukaryotic ribosome consists of 80S (in eukaryotes) comprising a 40S small subunit and 60S large subunit, with RPS24 being one of the approximately 33 proteins that comprise the 40S subunit [3](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10662561/).
RPS24 (Ribosomal Protein S24) is a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit essential for eukaryotic protein synthesis. As part of the small ribosomal subunit, RPS24 plays a critical role in translation initiation, elongation, and termination [1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10953023/). The protein is encoded by the RPS24 gene located on chromosome 10q22 and is evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes from yeast to humans [2](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15214843/).
Ribosomal proteins like RPS24 are fundamental to all cellular life, serving as the structural and functional components of the ribosome. The eukaryotic ribosome consists of 80S (in eukaryotes) comprising a 40S small subunit and 60S large subunit, with RPS24 being one of the approximately 33 proteins that comprise the 40S subunit [3](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10662561/).
<div class="infobox infobox-protein">
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2">RPS24 Protein</th></tr>
<tr><td>Protein Name</td><td>Ribosomal Protein S24</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gene</td><td>[RPS24](/genes/rps24)</td></tr>
<tr><td>UniProt</td><td>[P43250](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P43250)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Location</td><td>Cytoplasm, 40S ribosomal subunit</td></tr>
<tr><td>Function</td><td>Translation, ribosome structure</td></tr>
<tr><td>MW</td><td>15.4 kDa</td></tr>
<tr><td>Structure</td><td>Ribosomal protein, zinc-finger domain</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cellular Role</td><td>Protein synthesis</td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
RPS24 is a small basic protein with a molecular weight of approximately 15.4 kDa. The protein contains a CCHC-type zinc-finger motif that is involved in RNA binding [4](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10662561/). This domain is characteristic of many ribosomal proteins and contributes to the structural integrity of the 40S subunit through coordination of zinc ions.
The protein structure includes:
As a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit, RPS24 participates in several critical steps of translation:
The protein interacts with various translation factors, including eIF3, eIF2, and the eukaryotic release factors, facilitating the proper progression of translation [5](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12411503/).
Ribosome biogenesis is a complex process requiring the coordinated assembly of ribosomal proteins with rRNA. RPS24 follows a defined pathway:
Defects in RPS24 assembly can lead toribosomopathies, a group of human diseases characterized by ribosomal dysfunction [6](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25356508/).
Mutations in RPS24 cause Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a pure red cell aplasia characterized by failure of erythropoiesis. DBA is one of several ribosomopathies involving mutations in ribosomal protein genes [7](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19225151/). Clinical features include:
Ribosomal protein mutations, including those in RPS24, predispose individuals to various malignancies. The relationship between ribosomal dysfunction and cancer has implications for understanding neurodegeneration, as both involve dysregulated protein synthesis [8](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23533656/).
Alterations in ribosomal function and translation are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases [9](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28750281/):
Alzheimer's Disease:
The proteostasis network maintains protein folding, assembly, and degradation. Ribosomes are central to this network:
Targeting translation machinery represents a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases:
RPS24 interacts with multiple components of the translation machinery:
| Partner | Interaction Type | Functional Significance |
|---------|------------------|------------------------|
| 40S ribosomal proteins | Structural | Ribosome assembly |
| 18S rRNA | Direct binding | rRNA integration |
| eIF3 complex | Translation initiation | Initiation complex |
| eIF2 | Met-tRNA delivery | Ternary complex |
| RPS24 | Dimerization | Assembly |
| Importins | Nuclear import | Cellular localization |
Current research areas include: