RPL17 encodes ribosomal protein L17, a structural component of the large 60S ribosomal subunit essential for protein synthesis 123. As a core ribosomal protein, RPL17 participates in ribosome assembly and function within the cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum, facilitating cytoplasmic translation 123. Beyond its canonical ribosomal role, RPL17 exhibits context-dependent functions. It acts as a growth inhibitor in vascular smooth muscle cells, inversely correlating with cell proliferation and potentially limiting carotid intima-media thickening 4. Conversely, in breast cancer, RPL17 functions as an oncogene, promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition through MAPK signaling activation 5. RPL17 also facilitates hepatitis C virus particle assembly by binding the viral 3'UTR and regulating nucleocapsid formation 6. Clinically, RPL17 variants cause Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA-22), a ribosomopathy characterized by erythroid proliferation defects and rRNA maturation defects reflecting haploinsufficiency 7. Additionally, RPL17 dysregulation associates with normal tension glaucoma via the Rpl17/Stat5b/Apoa1 axis affecting retinal vascular density 8, respiratory toxicity from environmental pollutant exposure 9, and Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in APOE4 carriers 10.