Component of the large ribosomal subunit. The ribosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for the synthesis of proteins in the cell. Binds a specific region on the 26S rRNA. May promote p53/TP53 degradation possibly through the stimulation of MDM2-mediated TP53 polyubiquitination. Component of the large ribosomal subunit. Interacts with LYAR and GNL2. Interacts with MDM2; this interaction may promote MDM2-mediated p53/TP53 polyubiquitination. Directly interacts (via BIB domain) with IPO5, IPO7, KPNB1 and TNPO1; these interactions are involved in RPL23A nuclear import for the assembly of ribosomal subunits. Interacts with IPO8. Although RPL23A is functional within the cytoplasm, the assembly of ribosomal subunits occurs in the nucleus. RPL23A nuclear import is mediated by IPO5/RanBP5, IPO7/RanBP7, KPNB1/importin-beta or TPNO1/Trn. The N-terminal beta-like import receptor binding (BIB) domain mediates interaction with IPO5, IPO7, KPNB1 and TNPO1. N-terminus is methylated by METTL11A/NTM1. Citrullinated by PADI4. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL23 family.