60S ribosomal protein L22 is a
protein that in humans is encoded by the ''RPL22''
gene on Chromosome 1.
Function
Ribosomes
Ribosomes ( ) are macromolecular machines, found within all cells, that perform biological protein synthesis (mRNA translation). Ribosomes link amino acids together in the order specified by the codons of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules to f ...
, the
organelle
In cell biology, an organelle is a specialized subunit, usually within a cell, that has a specific function. The name ''organelle'' comes from the idea that these structures are parts of cells, as organs are to the body, hence ''organelle,'' the ...
s that catalyze
protein synthesis
Protein biosynthesis (or protein synthesis) is a core biological process, occurring inside Cell (biology), cells, homeostasis, balancing the loss of cellular proteins (via Proteolysis, degradation or Protein targeting, export) through the product ...
, consist of a small
40S subunit and a large
60S subunit. Together these subunits are composed of 4
RNA
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes. RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) are nucleic acids. Along with lipids, proteins, and carbohydra ...
species and approximately 80 structurally distinct proteins. This gene encodes a
cytoplasmic
ribosomal protein that is a component of the 60S subunit. The protein belongs to the L22E family of ribosomal proteins. Its initiating
methionine
Methionine (symbol Met or M) () is an essential amino acid in humans. As the precursor of other amino acids such as cysteine and taurine, versatile compounds such as SAM-e, and the important antioxidant glutathione, methionine plays a critical ro ...
residue is post-translationally removed. The protein can bind specifically to
Epstein–Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) 1. The mouse protein has been shown to be capable of binding to
heparin
Heparin, also known as unfractionated heparin (UFH), is a medication and naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. Since heparins depend on the activity of antithrombin, they are considered anticoagulants. Specifically it is also used in the treatm ...
.
Transcript variants utilizing alternative
polyA signals exist. As is typical for genes encoding ribosomal proteins, there are multiple processed
pseudogene
Pseudogenes are nonfunctional segments of DNA that resemble functional genes. Most arise as superfluous copies of functional genes, either directly by DNA duplication or indirectly by Reverse transcriptase, reverse transcription of an mRNA trans ...
s of this gene dispersed through the genome. It was previously thought that this gene mapped to 3q26 and that it was fused to the
acute myeloid leukemia 1 (AML1) gene located at 21q22 in some therapy-related
myelodysplastic syndrome patients with 3;21
translocation
Translocation may refer to:
* Chromosomal translocation, a chromosome abnormality caused by rearrangement of parts
** Robertsonian translocation, a chromosomal rearrangement in pairs 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22
** Nonreciprocal translocation, transfer ...
s; however, these fusions actually involve a ribosomal protein L22 pseudogene located at 3q26, and this gene actually maps to 1p36.3-p36.2.
Insects
The gene may play a role in Insect toxicity resistance. In
culex mosquitos, it was one of several ribosomal proteins which were overexpressed in strains resistant to the
insecticide
Insecticides are substances used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by consumers. Insecticides are claimed to b ...
deltamethrin.
More focused analysis revealed that resistant mosquitoes expressed RPL22 at a level more than 2.5x higher than susceptible strains; however, the same study found that over-expression of RPL22 in transfected cells caused a down-regulation of a different deltamethrin-resistance gene (
CYP6A1) and made these cells overall ''less'' resistant to the insecticide.
References
Further reading
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External links
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Ribosomal proteins
{{gene-1-stub