Roles of ribosomal proteins in hematologic disorders and cancers: a review

Abstract Ribosomes are important organelles for synthesizing proteins in cells. They are composed of ribosomal RNA and more than 80 ribosomal proteins. It is well known that an essential function of ribosomal proteins is to participate in protein translation. In addition, ribosomal proteins also perform extra-ribosomal functions, such as participating in DNA replication, transcription, and damage repair, regulating cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and transformation. In recent years, studies have shown that alterations in ribosomal protein synthesis or function can lead to various hematologic diseases, including Diamond-Blackfan anemia, 5q-syndrome, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and other blood system diseases. Moreover, abnormal expressions of specific ribosomal protein genes have been reported in many malignant tumors. In this review, we elaborated on the changes in ribosomal proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal, prostate, gastric, esophageal, and other cancers and discussed the relationship between ribosomal proteins and the occurrence of hematologic disorders and cancers.