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RPL5 gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/rpl5/

RPL5 gene

ribosomal protein L5

Normal Function

The RPL5 gene provides instructions for making one of approximately 80 different ribosomal proteins, which are components of cellular structures called ribosomes. Ribosomes process the cell's genetic instructions to create proteins.

Each ribosome is made up of two parts (subunits) called the large and small subunits. The protein produced from the RPL5 gene is among those found in the large subunit.

The specific functions of the RPL5 protein and the other ribosomal proteins within these subunits are unclear. Some ribosomal proteins are involved in the assembly or stability of ribosomes. Others help carry out the ribosome's main function of building new proteins. Studies suggest that some ribosomal proteins may have other functions, such as participating in chemical signaling pathways within the cell, regulating cell division, and controlling the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).

Research suggests that the protein produced from the RPL5 gene also normally has tumor suppressor function, which means that it helps keep cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Diamond-Blackfan anemia

More than 70 RPL5 gene mutations have been identified in individuals with Diamond-Blackfan anemia. This disorder primarily affects the bone marrow, which produces new blood cells. People with this condition often also have physical abnormalities affecting various parts of the body.

The RPL5 gene mutations that cause Diamond-Blackfan anemia are either inherited or occur early in development before birth, and occur in every cell in the body. The mutations are believed to cause problems with ribosomal function. Studies indicate that a shortage of functioning ribosomes may increase apoptosis of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, resulting in a low number of red blood cells (anemia). Abnormal regulation of cell division or inappropriate triggering of apoptosis may contribute to the other health problems and unusual physical features that affect some people with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.

More About This Health Condition

Cancers

Mutations and deletions affecting the RPL5 gene have been identified in cancerous tumors of several types, including breast cancer, a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma, and a skin cancer called melanoma. These genetic changes are somatic, which means that they are not inherited and occur only in the cancer cells. Mutations or deletions in the RPL5 gene that interfere with the RPL5 protein's tumor suppressor function can result in the uncontrolled cell growth and division that leads to cancer.

Other Names for This Gene

  • 60S ribosomal protein L5
  • DBA6
  • L5
  • MGC117339
  • MSTP030
  • PPP1R135
  • RL5_HUMAN
  • uL18

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Ball S. Diamond Blackfan anemia. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2011;2011:487-91. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2011.1.487. Citation on PubMed
  • Boultwood J, Pellagatti A, Wainscoat JS. Haploinsufficiency of ribosomal proteins and p53 activation in anemia: Diamond-Blackfan anemia and the 5q- syndrome. Adv Biol Regul. 2012 Jan;52(1):196-203. doi: 10.1016/j.advenzreg.2011.09.008. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Cmejla R, Cmejlova J, Handrkova H, Petrak J, Petrtylova K, Mihal V, Stary J, Cerna Z, Jabali Y, Pospisilova D. Identification of mutations in the ribosomal protein L5 (RPL5) and ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11) genes in Czech patients with Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Hum Mutat. 2009 Mar;30(3):321-7. doi: 10.1002/humu.20874. Citation on PubMed
  • Danilova N, Gazda HT. Ribosomopathies: how a common root can cause a tree of pathologies. Dis Model Mech. 2015 Sep;8(9):1013-26. doi: 10.1242/dmm.020529. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Delaporta P, Sofocleous C, Stiakaki E, Polychronopoulou S, Economou M, Kossiva L, Kostaridou S, Kattamis A. Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of RPS19, RPL5, and RPL11 genes in Greek patients with Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2014 Dec;61(12):2249-55. doi: 10.1002/pbc.25183. Epub 2014 Aug 17. Citation on PubMed
  • Ellis SR, Gleizes PE. Diamond Blackfan anemia: ribosomal proteins going rogue. Semin Hematol. 2011 Apr;48(2):89-96. doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2011.02.005. Citation on PubMed
  • Ellis SR. Nucleolar stress in Diamond Blackfan anemia pathophysiology. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Jun;1842(6):765-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.12.013. Epub 2014 Jan 8. Citation on PubMed
  • Fancello L, Kampen KR, Hofman IJ, Verbeeck J, De Keersmaecker K. The ribosomal protein gene RPL5 is a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor in multiple cancer types. Oncotarget. 2017 Feb 28;8(9):14462-14478. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.14895. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Gazda HT, Sheen MR, Vlachos A, Choesmel V, O'Donohue MF, Schneider H, Darras N, Hasman C, Sieff CA, Newburger PE, Ball SE, Niewiadomska E, Matysiak M, Zaucha JM, Glader B, Niemeyer C, Meerpohl JJ, Atsidaftos E, Lipton JM, Gleizes PE, Beggs AH. Ribosomal protein L5 and L11 mutations are associated with cleft palate and abnormal thumbs in Diamond-Blackfan anemia patients. Am J Hum Genet. 2008 Dec;83(6):769-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2008.11.004. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Mills EW, Green R. Ribosomopathies: There's strength in numbers. Science. 2017 Nov 3;358(6363):eaan2755. doi: 10.1126/science.aan2755. Citation on PubMed
  • Quarello P, Garelli E, Carando A, Brusco A, Calabrese R, Dufour C, Longoni D, Misuraca A, Vinti L, Aspesi A, Biondini L, Loreni F, Dianzani I, Ramenghi U. Diamond-Blackfan anemia: genotype-phenotype correlations in Italian patients with RPL5 and RPL11 mutations. Haematologica. 2010 Feb;95(2):206-13. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2009.011783. Epub 2009 Sep 22. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Sieff C. Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. 2009 Jun 25 [updated 2023 Mar 23]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7047/ Citation on PubMed
  • Vlachos A, Blanc L, Lipton JM. Diamond Blackfan anemia: a model for the translational approach to understanding human disease. Expert Rev Hematol. 2014 Jun;7(3):359-72. doi: 10.1586/17474086.2014.897923. Epub 2014 Mar 26. Citation on PubMed

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