Together these subunits are composed of 4 RNA species and approximately 80 structurally distinct proteins.

This gene encodes a ribosomal protein that is a component of the 40S subunit, where it forms part of the domain where translation is initiated.

Studies of the mouse and rat proteins have demonstrated that the protein has an extraribosomal role as an endonuclease involved in the repair of UV-induced DNA damage.

The protein appears to be located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus but not in the nucleolus.

Higher levels of expression of this gene in colon adenocarcinomas and adenomatous polyps compared to adjacent normal colonic mucosa have been observed.