| Modification Notes |
Ribosomes, the organelles that catalyze protein synthesis, are composed of a small subunit (40S) and a large subunit (60S) that consist of over 80 distinct ribosomal proteins. Mammalian ribosomal proteins are encoded by multigene families that contain processed pseudogenes and one functional intron-containing gene within their coding regions. Ribosomal Protein L23a, also known as RPL23A or MDA20, is a 156 amino acid protein that exists as part of the 60S ribosomal subunit and is expressed at high levels in heart, pancreas and skeletal muscle. Localized to the cytoplasm, Ribosomal Protein L23a is thought to be involved in the mediation of growth inhibition, possibly functioning as a target molecule for interferons (IFNs). Like most ribosomal proteins, Ribosomal Protein L23a exists as multiple processed pseudogenes that are scattered throughout the genome. |