AURKAIP1 (aurora kinase A interacting protein 1) functions primarily as a component of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome, specifically identified as MRPS38 in the small ribosomal subunit 1. The protein plays essential roles in mitochondrial protein synthesis, with siRNA knockdown studies demonstrating significant effects on mitochondrially encoded protein expression 1. AURKAIP1 operates through multiple mechanisms including protein stabilization, as demonstrated by its direct interaction with DDX5 protein, preventing ubiquitination and degradation 2. The protein also undergoes m7G methylation modification that enhances mRNA stability and translation, leading to downstream effects on mitochondrial translation and FDX1 expression 3. Disease relevance includes upregulation in triple negative breast cancer, where it promotes tumor progression through the DDX5/β-catenin axis 2, and downregulation in non-obstructive azoospermia, contributing to male infertility 4. Clinical significance extends to potential therapeutic targeting, with the CYFIP1/RNMT/AURKAIP1/FDX1 axis identified as a treatment target for osteosarcoma through cuproptosis induction 3. AURKAIP1 also shows diagnostic value as part of a multi-gene panel for male infertility screening 4 and appears dysregulated in various conditions including ALS and COVID-19-related platelet dysfunction 56.