This protein binds specifically to 23S rRNA; its binding is stimulated by other ribosomal proteins, e.g., L4, L17, and L20. It is important during the early stages of 50S assembly. It makes multiple contacts with different domains of the 23S rRNA in the assembled 50S subunit and ribosome (By similarity). RL22_THET8 TTHA1687 50S ribosomal protein L22 rplV 113 MEAKAIARYVRISPRKVRLVVDLIRGKSLEEARNILRYTNKRGAYFVAKVLESAAANAVNNHDMLEDRLYVKAAYVDEGPALKRVLPRARGRADIIKKRTSHITVILGEKHGK The globular domain of the protein is one of the proteins that surrounds the polypeptide exit tunnel on the outside of the subunit, while an extended beta-hairpin is found that penetrates into the center of the 70S ribosome. This extension seems to form part of the wall of the exit tunnel.