This gene encodes a protein sharing high sequence similarity with ribosomal protein L39. Although the name of this gene has been referred to as 'ribosomal protein L39' in the public databases, its official name is 'ribosomal protein L39-like'. It is not currently known whether the encoded protein is a functional ribosomal protein or whether it has evolved a function that is independent of the ribosome.Nadano D., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1577:430-436(2002).Uechi T., Nucleic Acids Res. 30:5369-5375(2002).The MGC Project Team; Genome Res. 14:2121-2127(2004).