Ribosomes, the organelles that catalyze protein synthesis, consist of a small 40S subunit and a large 60S subunit. Together these subunits are composed of 4 RNA species and approximately 80 structurally distinct proteins. This gene encodes a ribosomal protein that is a component of the 60S subunit. The protein belongs to the L18P family of ribosomal proteins. It is located in the cytoplasm. The protein binds 5S rRNA to form a stable complex called the 5S ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP), which is necessary for the transport of nonribosome-associated cytoplasmic 5S rRNA to the nucleolus for assembly into ribosomes. The protein interacts specifically with the beta subunit of casein kinase II. Variable expression of this gene in colorectal cancers compared to adjacent normal tissues has been observed, although no correlation between the level of expression and the severity of the disease has been founddisease:Defects in RPL5 are the cause of Diamond-Blackfan anemia type 6 (DBA6) [MIM:612561]. DBA6 is a form of Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a congenital non-regenerative hypoplastic anemia that usually presents early in infancy. Diamond-Blackfan anemia is characterized by a moderate to severe macrocytic anemia, erythroblastopenia, and an increased risk of malignancy. 30 to 40% of Diamond-Blackfan anemia patients present with short stature and congenital anomalies, the most frequent being craniofacial (Pierre-Robin syndrome and cleft palate), thumb and urogenital anomalies.,function:Required for rRNA maturation and formation of the 60S ribosomal subunits. This protein binds 5S RNA.,similarity:Belongs to the ribosomal protein L18P family.,
