The multifaceted roles of ribosomal P complex in cancer.

The ribosomal P complex, a flexible lateral stalk structure of the ribosomal large subunit, consists of the RPLP0, RPLP1, and RPLP2 proteins, and is essential for the elongation phase of protein biosynthesis. Notably, RPLP proteins have been implicated in various pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders, degenerative diseases, while recent studies have elucidated their biological functions and underlying mechanisms in cancer. This review summarizes the structural and functional aspects of ribosomal stalk proteins, their expression levels across different cancers, and their impact on cancer progression. Additionally, we describe the molecular networks involving these proteins and how their regulatory mechanisms contribute to the hallmark characteristics of cancer phenotypes. Targeting RPLP proteins represents a novel strategy for achieving better treatment outcome of cancer patients in the future.