RPS24 Protein

RPS24 Protein (Ribosomal Protein S24)

Overview

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 Protein (Ribosomal Protein S24)

Overview

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>

Structure and Function

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.

Structural Features

The protein structure includes:

Role in Translation

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/).

Role in Ribosome Biogenesis

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/).

Clinical Significance

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

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:

• Anemia - Normocytic, macrocytic red cell deficiency
• Reticulocytopenia - Low reticulocyte count
• Congenital abnormalities - Skeletal, cardiac, craniofacial
• Cancer predisposition - Increased leukemia risk
• Growth retardation - Variable penetrance

Cancer Susceptibility

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/).

Neurodegenerative Disease Relevance

Translation Dysregulation in Neurodegeneration

Alterations in ribosomal function and translation are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases [9](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28750281/):

Alzheimer's Disease:

• Global translation impairment in affected neurons
• eIF2α phosphorylation reduces initiation
• Specific mRNA targeting (synaptic proteins)
• Ribosome density reduction in disease regions

• Mitochondrial and cytosolic translation deficits
• Alpha-synuclein effects on translation machinery
• Specific vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons

• Dysregulated RNA metabolism and translation
• TDP-43 pathology affects translation
• FUS mutations disrupt translation
• Stress granule formation

• Translation alterations in striatal neurons
• Mutant huntingtin effects on ribosome
• Altered 5'TOP mRNA translation

Protein Homeostasis

The proteostasis network maintains protein folding, assembly, and degradation. Ribosomes are central to this network:

• Translational control - Quality control during synthesis
• Co-translational folding - Chaperone recruitment
• Nascent chain monitoring - Ribosome-associated quality control
• Error surveillance - Non-stop/mis-incorporation

Therapeutic Implications

Targeting translation machinery represents a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases:

Protein Interactions and Network

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 |

Research Directions

Current research areas include:

See Also

• [Ribosomal Proteins](/proteins/ribosomal-proteins)
• [Translation Machinery](/mechanisms/translation)
• [Protein Synthesis Inhibitors](/therapeutics/translation-inhibitors)
• [Neurodegeneration Mechanisms](diseases/neurodegeneration)
• [Ribosomopathies](/diseases/ribosomopathies)
• [Diamond-Blackfan Anemia](/diseases/diamond-blackfan-anemia)
• [Proteostasis](/mechanisms/proteostasis)

References