NUFIP1, also known as nuclear fragile X mental retardation-interacting protein 1, is an RNA-binding protein. It functions as a ribosome receptor for starvation-induced ribophagy, a selective autophagy process that degrades ribosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis [1,5,6,7]. NUFIP1 is also involved in the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, potentially participating in mRNA export and local protein synthesis regulation near synapses [8].

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), cancer-associated fibroblasts secrete nucleosides through NUFIP1-dependent autophagy, promoting PDAC growth [2]. In colorectal cancer, NUFIP1 is overexpressed, and its knockdown suppresses cell growth, induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence [3]. In neonatal rats, NUFIP1-engineered exosomes from human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells can regulate nerve cell apoptosis and mitigate propofol-induced neurological injury [4]. In sepsis, NUFIP1-mediated ribophagy can alleviate T-lymphocyte apoptosis through the PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway, reversing immunosuppression [7].

In conclusion, NUFIP1 plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes and disease conditions. Its function in ribophagy and involvement in various disease-related cellular events, such as cell growth, apoptosis, and nutrient support in cancer, are revealed through in vivo and in vitro studies. Understanding NUFIP1 provides insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for conditions like cancer, neurological injury, and sepsis.