RPL23A encodes a 156-amino acid ribosomal protein that functions as a structural component of the 60S large ribosomal subunit, binding a specific region on 26S rRNA 12. The protein is ubiquitously expressed across tissues, with notably higher abundance in pancreas, skeletal muscle, and heart 3. Beyond canonical ribosomal function, RPL23A participates in mTORC2 signaling by binding Sin1, a core mTORC2 component, thereby facilitating cell growth regulation 4. RPL23A also interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase HERC3, which targets it for K48-dependent proteasomal degradation to regulate colorectal cancer cell proliferation and the c-Myc/p21 axis 5. Clinically, RPL23A has emerged as an autoimmune target in rheumatoid arthritis, with both T cells and autoantibodies from RA patients recognizing this ubiquitous protein 6. Dysbiotic microbiota composition, particularly enriched for Prevotella copri, increases intestinal Th17 cell activation against RPL23A, contributing to arthritis development in genetically susceptible hosts 7. In renal cell carcinoma, circular RNA derived from RPL23A (circ_RPL23A) acts as a miR-1233 sponge to suppress tumor progression 8, suggesting context-dependent roles in cancer biology.