One of the primary rRNA binding proteins, this protein initially binds near the 5'-end of the 23S rRNA. 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). Forms part of the polypeptide exit tunnel. This protein can be incorporated into E.coli ribosomes in vivo, which resulted in decreased peptidyltransferase (Ptase) activity of the hybrid ribosomes. The hybrid 50S subunits associate less well with 30S subunits to form the ribosome. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit. The N-terminus is blocked. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL4 family.