DCTN3 (dynactin subunit 3) is a structural component of the dynactin complex that activates the molecular motor dynein for processive microtubule-based transport. Together with dynein, DCTN3 is involved in spindle assembly and cytokinesis, critical processes for proper chromosome 9 during cell division 1. DCTN3 functions in intracellular organelle transport through its role in the dynactin-dynein motor complex 2. At the molecular level, DCTN3 serves as a protein-binding partner within the dynactin complex, enabling its interaction with dynein and facilitating cytoskeleton-dependent cellular processes 2. Dysregulation of DCTN3 expression has significant disease implications. Aberrant DCTN3 expression during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development leads to increased aneuploidy and reduced developmental competence, particularly affecting assisted reproduction outcomes 3. High DCTN3 expression correlates with favorable overall survival in low-grade glioma patients, suggesting protective function in this malignancy 4. Conversely, proteome-wide association studies identify DCTN3 expression as associated with decreased breast cancer risk 5. Additionally, DCTN3 serves as a viral target, with foot-and-mouth disease virus exploiting DCTN3 interaction for pathogenic replication and virulence in cattle 2. Age-related changes in DCTN3 expression contribute to aneuploidy risk in aging oocytes 6.