ADCK1 (AarF domain-containing kinase 1) is a mitochondrial protein essential for maintaining mitochondrial structural integrity and function. Mechanistically, ADCK1 operates in a kinase-independent manner through interaction with YME1L1 to regulate critical mitochondrial proteins OPA1 and IMMT, controlling mitochondrial cristae formation, dynamics, and membrane organization 1. ADCK1 depletion disrupts mitochondrial function, reducing membrane potential, ATP production, and increasing reactive oxygen species and apoptosis 12. The protein also regulates calcium signaling pathways affecting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation 3. Clinically, ADCK1 dysregulation is implicated in multiple pathologies. ADCK1 is upregulated in osteosarcoma and promotes cell proliferation and migration; ADCK1 depletion inhibits tumor growth and sensitizes cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis 2. In colon cancer, ADCK1 activates β-catenin/TCF signaling to promote cell growth and migration 4. Mutations in ADCK1 have been detected in parathyroid carcinoma 5. Additionally, genetic variants in ADCK1 may predict paliperidone efficacy in schizophrenia treatment 6, and ADCK1 has been identified as a protein associated with suicide attempt risk 7. These findings establish ADCK1 as both a fundamental regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis and a potential therapeutic target in cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders.