Rps19, encoding ribosomal protein S19, is a crucial gene involved in ribosome construction and protein synthesis [1,3,5]. Ribosomes are responsible for translating the genetic code into proteins, and Rps19 is one of the many proteins that make up this complex machinery. Its role in protein synthesis is fundamental to various biological processes in cells.

In Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a congenital erythroblastopenia, 25% of patients carry a mutation in the Rps19 gene [1]. Studies on DBA patient-derived cells and cells with Rps19 knockdown (KD) have provided insights into its function. DBA patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells and Rps19-KD CD34+ cells show DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair defects [2]. In addition, Rps19-KD in CD34+ cells impairs erythropoiesis and reduces hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity, with defects partially corrected by Rps19-expressing lentiviral vector or TP53 disruption [4]. Also, missense mutations of Rps19 in DBA patients lead to unstable mutant proteins, and downregulation of Rps19 in human CD34+ cells causes cell cycle arrest in erythroid progenitor cells [6].

In conclusion, Rps19 is essential for ribosome function and protein synthesis. Its haploinsufficiency, often due to mutations, is associated with DBA. Studies on cells with Rps19-related alterations have revealed its role in DNA DSB repair, erythropoiesis, and HSC activity, contributing to our understanding of DBA pathogenesis.