RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

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RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

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RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

Overview

<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td>RPS16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Name</td>
<td>Ribosomal Protein S16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosome</td>
<td>19q13.42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>6169</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000105176</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>P62249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Type</td>
<td>Protein coding</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Strand</td>
<td>Plus (+)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Associated Diseases</td>
<td><a href="/wiki/ms" style="color:#ef9a9a">Ms</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">8 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>

Gene Description

RPS16 (Ribosomal Protein S16) encodes a conserved ribosomal protein that is a core component of the small (40S) ribosomal subunit. The protein is also known as S16 or RPS16 in various nomenclature systems. As part of the translational machinery, RPS16 plays an essential role in protein synthesis and is highly conserved across eukaryotes from yeast to humans [1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12477932/).

...

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

Overview

<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td>RPS16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Name</td>
<td>Ribosomal Protein S16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosome</td>
<td>19q13.42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>6169</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000105176</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>P62249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Type</td>
<td>Protein coding</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Strand</td>
<td>Plus (+)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Associated Diseases</td>
<td><a href="/wiki/ms" style="color:#ef9a9a">Ms</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">8 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>

Gene Description

RPS16 (Ribosomal Protein S16) encodes a conserved ribosomal protein that is a core component of the small (40S) ribosomal subunit. The protein is also known as S16 or RPS16 in various nomenclature systems. As part of the translational machinery, RPS16 plays an essential role in protein synthesis and is highly conserved across eukaryotes from yeast to humans [1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12477932/).

The RPS16 gene spans approximately 3.5 kb and contains 6 exons. The encoded protein is 146 amino acids in length with a molecular weight of approximately 16.5 kDa. RPS16 is located in the cytoplasm and is expressed ubiquitously across all human tissues, reflecting its fundamental role in cellular function.

Protein Structure and Function

Structural Features

RPS16 is a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit, which is one of two subunits that make up the eukaryotic ribosome. The 40S subunit is responsible for binding messenger RNA (mRNA) and initiating translation. RPS16 is positioned in the head region of the 40S subunit where it contributes to the mRNA channel and participates in the initiation and elongation phases of translation [2](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11007874/).

The protein belongs to the ribosomal protein S16 family, which is characterized by a conserved ribosomal protein S16 domain. This domain is involved in RNA binding and is essential for the structural integrity of the ribosome. The protein contains multiple lysine and arginine residues that facilitate interaction with rRNA.

Molecular Function

RPS16 performs the following molecular functions:

Structural Constituent of Ribosome: RPS16 is an integral structural component of the 40S ribosomal subunit, contributing to the overall architecture of the ribosome [3](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278753/).

RNA Binding: The protein interacts with rRNA (particularly 18S rRNA) and mRNA, facilitating the binding of mRNA to the ribosome during translation initiation [4](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPMC2836411/).

Translation Initiation: RPS16 participates in the formation of the pre-initiation complex (PIC) and helps position the mRNA correctly for translation start site selection [5](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21357602/).

Translation Elongation: During the elongation phase, RPS16 contributes to the translocation of tRNA and movement of the ribosome along the mRNA [6](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC2888537/).

Expression Pattern

RPS16 is expressed ubiquitously in all human tissues with relatively high expression levels. Analysis of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project data reveals:

Highest expression: Testis, brain (cerebellum and cortex), heart, and kidney
Moderate expression: Liver, lung, and gastrointestinal tissues
Lower expression: Blood and spleen

Within the brain, RPS16 expression is particularly notable in neurons of the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and basal ganglia — regions critically affected in neurodegenerative diseases [7](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30664732/).

Role in Neuronal Function

Synaptic Translation

Neurons have specialized translational requirements at synapses, where local protein synthesis is essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Ribosomal proteins including RPS16 are enriched in synaptic fractions, where they support the rapid synthesis of proteins required for:

Synaptic plasticity: Activity-dependent translation of synaptic proteins
Long-term potentiation (LTP): Protein synthesis-dependent memory formation
Local translation at dendrites: Targeted mRNA translation near synapses

Axon and Axonal Transport

RPS16 is involved in axonal translation, which is critical for:

Axon growth and guidance: Local protein synthesis enables rapid responses to guidance cues
Regeneration: Axonal翻译 is essential for nerve repair after injury
Mitochondrial function: Translation of mitochondrial proteins in axons

Ribosome Biogenesis in Neurons

Neurons are highly dependent on efficient ribosome biogenesis due to their extreme architecture and high metabolic demands. RPS16 contributes to:

Ribosome assembly: Proper assembly of the 40S subunit
Quality control: Ensuring functional ribosomes are produced
Cellular homeostasis: Maintaining translational capacity

Disease Associations

Alzheimer's Disease

RPS16 has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through several mechanisms:

Translation Deficits: Post-mortem studies of AD brain tissue reveal decreased ribosomal protein expression and function, including RPS16. The loss of translational capacity correlates with cognitive decline [8](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25352225/).

Ribosomal Dysfunction: AD is characterized by widespread ribosomal dysfunction, where translation initiation is particularly impaired. RPS16, as a component of the 40S subunit, is affected by this dysfunction.

Synaptic Ribosome Loss: Synaptic ribosomes, which contain RPS16, are reduced in AD brains, contributing to impaired local translation at synapses.

Tau Pathology: Phosphorylated tau disrupts ribosomal function and reduces RPS16 availability for translation.

Parkinson's Disease

In Parkinson's disease (PD), RPS16 involvement includes:

Dopaminergic Neuron Vulnerability: RPS16 expression is reduced in the substantia nigra of PD patients, potentially contributing to the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons.

Alpha-Synuclein Toxicity: Aggregation of alpha-synuclein can interfere with ribosomal function, potentially affecting RPS16 and other ribosomal proteins.

Mitochondrial Stress: Ribosomal proteins may be affected by mitochondrial dysfunction in PD.

Cancer

RPS16 dysregulation has been reported in various cancers:

Colorectal cancer: Elevated RPS16 expression correlates with tumor progression
Breast cancer: RPS16 overexpression associated with poor prognosis
Lung cancer: RPS16 implicated in cell proliferation and survival

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

While more commonly associated with RPS19 and other ribosomal proteins, ribosomal protein deficiencies can cause Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a bone marrow failure syndrome. RPS16 variants have been identified in some DBA cases [9](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22111207/).

Genetic Variants

Common Variants

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RPS16 gene have been studied for potential associations with:

Cancer susceptibility
Drug response
Neurological phenotypes

Pathogenic Variants

Rare pathogenic variants in RPS16 have been associated with:

Ribosomal deficiency syndromes
Developmental disorders
Cancer predisposition

Interaction Network

RPS16 interacts with numerous proteins and forms part of the ribosomal complex:

Ribosomal Proteins

RPS2, RPS3, RPS4X, RPS5 (40S subunit components)
RPS9, RPS10, RPS11, RPS12, RPS13, RPS14, RPS15, RPS17, RPS18, RPS19, RPS20, RPS21, RPS23, RPS24, RPS25, RPS26, RPS27, RPS27L, RPS28, RPS29

Translation Factors

EIF1, EIF1A, EIF2A, EIF2B
EIF3 complex (EIF3A, EIF3B, EIF3C, etc.)
EIF4E, EIF4G

Non-Ribosomal Interactions

Various cellular proteins involved in translation regulation

Research Highlights

Ribosomal Stress and Neurodegeneration

Research has demonstrated that ribosomal stress (e.g., oxidative stress, ER stress) can lead to ribosomal dysfunction involving RPS16. This stress response is implicated in:

Impaired protein synthesis
Activation of stress response pathways
Neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases

Ribosome Profiling Studies

Ribosome profiling in neurodegenerative disease models has revealed:

Specific mRNAs with altered translation efficiency
Reduced translation of synaptic proteins
Global translation deficits affecting RPS16-containing ribosomes

Therapeutic Implications

Understanding RPS16 function in neurodegeneration may lead to:

Translation-targeted therapies: Enhancing ribosomal function
Neuroprotective strategies: Protecting neurons from translational deficits
Biomarkers: RPS16 expression as a disease biomarker

Mermaid Diagram: RPS16 in Cellular Translation

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

Mermaid Diagram: RPS16 in Neurodegenerative Pathways

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

References

[Kenji K. et al., The complete nucleotide sequence of the human 18S rRNA gene (2001)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12477932/)

[Yoshihiko K. et al., Structure of the small subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome (2000)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11007874/)

[Robert D. et al., Mass spectrometry-based analysis of the human ribosome (2001)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278753/)

[Sascha R. et al., RNA binding proteins in synaptic plasticity (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPMC2836411/)

[John H. et al., Translation initiation in eukaryotes (2011)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21357602/)

[Jennifer D. et al., Ribosomal elongation (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC2888537/)

[GTEx Consortium, The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) pilot analysis (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30664732/)

[Hernandez-Ortega K. et al., Altered ribosome function in Alzheimer's disease (2016)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25352225/)

[Clinton C. et al., Diamond-Blackfan anemia: ribosomal protein gene mutations (2011)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22111207/)

[Lang Y. et al., RPS16 promotes colorectal cancer progression via Akt/mTOR signaling (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33154219/)

[Zhang L. et al., Ribosomal proteins: from gene to disease (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29631349/)

[Kaehler C. et al., Spatial protein synthesis in neurons (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31753882/)

[Isken O. et al., Ribosome quality control and translational fidelity (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30612043/)

[Yoshikawa M. et al., Axonal translation regulation in nerve regeneration (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29956667/)

[Baird D. et al., Ribosomal proteins and neurodegenerative disease (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35617892/)

External Links

[NCBI Gene - RPS16](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/6169)
[UniProt - RPS16 (P62249)](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P62249)
[Ensembl - RPS16](https://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000105176)
[HGNC - RPS16](https://www.genenames.org/data/gene-symbol-report/#!/hgnc_id/HGNC:10398)
[PubMed - RPS16](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=RPS16+ribosomal+protein)
[KEGG Ribosome Pathway](https://www.genome.jp/kegg/pathway/map03010)

Pathway Diagram

The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16 discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis:

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

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Related Entities

RPS16

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slug	genes-rps16
kg_node_id	RPS16
entity_type	gene
origin_type	v1_polymorphic_backfill
source_table	wiki_pages
wiki_page_id	wp-d16231785d24
__merged_from	{'merged_at': '2026-05-13', 'unprefixed_id': 'genes-rps16'}
_schema_version	1

📊 Evidence Profile Foundational

Evidence Balance

+0%

Certainty

65%

Debates

0

Incoming

13

Outgoing

19

0 supporting 0 contradicting 0 neutral

View full evidence profile →

Public annotations (0)Annotate on Hypothes.is →

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📗 Cite This Artifact

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

Overview

Gene Description

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

Overview

Gene Description

Protein Structure and Function

Structural Features

Molecular Function

Expression Pattern

Role in Neuronal Function

Synaptic Translation

Axon and Axonal Transport

Ribosome Biogenesis in Neurons

Disease Associations

Alzheimer's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Cancer

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Genetic Variants

Common Variants

Pathogenic Variants

Interaction Network

Ribosomal Proteins

Translation Factors

Non-Ribosomal Interactions

Research Highlights

Ribosomal Stress and Neurodegeneration

Ribosome Profiling Studies

Therapeutic Implications

Mermaid Diagram: RPS16 in Cellular Translation

Mermaid Diagram: RPS16 in Neurodegenerative Pathways

See Also

Diseases

References

External Links

Pathway Diagram

💬 Discussion

📗 Cite This Artifact

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

Overview

Gene Description

RPS16 — Ribosomal Protein S16

Overview

Gene Description

Protein Structure and Function

Structural Features

Molecular Function

Expression Pattern

Role in Neuronal Function

Synaptic Translation

Axon and Axonal Transport

Ribosome Biogenesis in Neurons

Disease Associations

Alzheimer's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Cancer

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Genetic Variants

Common Variants

Pathogenic Variants

Interaction Network

Ribosomal Proteins

Translation Factors

Non-Ribosomal Interactions

Research Highlights

Ribosomal Stress and Neurodegeneration

Ribosome Profiling Studies

Therapeutic Implications

Mermaid Diagram: RPS16 in Cellular Translation

Mermaid Diagram: RPS16 in Neurodegenerative Pathways

See Also

Related Proteins

Related Pathways

Diseases

References

External Links

Pathway Diagram

💬 Discussion