G3bp1, also known as Ras-GTPase-activating protein binding protein 1, is a multifunctional binding protein involved in diverse biological functions such as cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, differentiation, and RNA metabolism [2]. It is a central node in the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granule-related network, especially in the assembly of stress granules (SGs) through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) triggered by a rise in intracellular free RNA concentrations [1]. It also participates in pathways like DNA sensing via enhancing DNA binding of cGAS [3].

In disease-related studies, G3bp1 has been shown to have context-specific roles. In various cancers, it acts as a cancer-promoting factor, facilitating cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis [2]. In the context of viral infections, it can interact with viral proteins, either inhibiting viral replication as an antiviral factor or being hijacked by viruses to promote their proliferation [2]. In the case of sodium arsenite-induced ferroptosis, G3bp1 is indispensable through a stress-granule-independent mechanism, stabilizing IRP2 by suppressing FBXL5 mRNA translation, leading to elevated cellular labile free iron and subsequent ferroptotic cell death [5]. In bladder cancer, G3bp1, along with SLU7, promotes immune evasion by down-regulating MHC-I via PI3K/Akt activation [4].

In conclusion, G3bp1 is a key player in multiple biological functions and disease-related processes. Its study, especially through gene knockout or conditional knockout mouse models, has revealed its significance in areas such as cancer, viral infections, and ferroptosis-related kidney injury. Understanding G3bp1 provides insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.