Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/rpl35a/

RPL35A gene

ribosomal protein L35a

Normal Function

The RPL35A 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 RPL35A gene is among those found in the large subunit.

The specific functions of the RPL35A 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).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Diamond-Blackfan anemia

At least 14 RPL35A 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 RPL35A gene mutations that cause Diamond-Blackfan anemia 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

Other Names for This Gene

  • 60S ribosomal protein L35a
  • DBA5
  • eL33
  • GIG33
  • L35A
  • RL35A_HUMAN

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Farrar JE, Dahl N. Untangling the phenotypic heterogeneity of Diamond Blackfan anemia. Semin Hematol. 2011 Apr;48(2):124-35. doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2011.02.003. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Farrar JE, Nater M, Caywood E, McDevitt MA, Kowalski J, Takemoto CM, Talbot CC Jr, Meltzer P, Esposito D, Beggs AH, Schneider HE, Grabowska A, Ball SE, Niewiadomska E, Sieff CA, Vlachos A, Atsidaftos E, Ellis SR, Lipton JM, Gazda HT, Arceci RJ. Abnormalities of the large ribosomal subunit protein, Rpl35a, in Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Blood. 2008 Sep 1;112(5):1582-92. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-02-140012. Epub 2008 Jun 5. 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
  • Narla A, Hurst SN, Ebert BL. Ribosome defects in disorders of erythropoiesis. Int J Hematol. 2011 Feb;93(2):144-149. doi: 10.1007/s12185-011-0776-0. Epub 2011 Feb 1. 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

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.