RPS8 encodes ribosomal protein S8, a component of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) essential for protein synthesis 1. RPS8 participates in SSU processome assembly during ribosome biogenesis, where it associates with ribosomal proteins, RNA chaperones, and biogenesis factors to facilitate pre-rRNA processing, modification, and folding in the nucleolus 2. Beyond its canonical ribosomal function, RPS8 interacts with CDK11p46 to synergistically suppress translation in both cap-dependent and IRES-dependent mechanisms, sensitizing cells to apoptosis 3. Clinically, RPS8 expression is significantly elevated in blood-brain barrier capillaries of Alzheimer's disease patients, correlating with increased protein processing capacity 4. DNA methylation at the RPS8 locus shows sex-specific associations with Alzheimer's disease risk in females 5. RPS8 has emerged as a sex-unbiased housekeeping gene suitable for gene expression studies in adipose tissue 6. Additionally, RPS8 functions as an immune-cell-related biomarker in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with decreased hepatic expression in NAFLD progression and potential involvement in immune-related pathways 7. These findings indicate RPS8 has roles extending beyond translation into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and metabolic disease pathology.