Rps17, encoding ribosomal protein S17, is a crucial gene. It is involved in ribosome assembly, which is essential for protein synthesis, a fundamental biological process. Understanding its function can be enhanced through genetic models like gene-knockout (KO) or conditional-knockout (CKO) mouse models for in-vivo studies.

In Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a ribosomopathy characterized by bone marrow erythroid hypoplasia, mutations in Rps17 have been identified. For instance, a mutation affecting the translation initiation start codon (c.2T>G) was found, eliminating the natural start of RPS17 protein biosynthesis [2]. Another novel mutation (c.1A>G) in the translation initiation codon was reported in a Korean DBA patient [3]. Transcriptomic analysis of DBA patients showed significant down-regulation of SLC4A1 in RPS17-mutated cases. Zebrafish models with rps17 knockdown exhibited reduced erythropoiesis and impaired hemoglobin synthesis, along with decreased slc4a1a expression, highlighting SLC4A1 as a key downstream target of RPS17 haploinsufficiency [1].

In conclusion, Rps17 plays a vital role in ribosome-related processes and is significantly associated with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. Studies using models like zebrafish have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of DBA related to Rps17, such as its downstream effects on erythropoiesis. These findings contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of DBA and may offer potential therapeutic targets for this disorder.