This protein binds to the 23S rRNA, and is important in its secondary structure. It is located near the subunit interface in the base of the L7/L12 stalk, and near the tRNA binding site of the peptidyltransferase center. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Present in outer membrane vesicle formulations which are used as vaccines in human. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL6 family.