DYNC1LI1 encodes dynein cytoplasmic 1 light intermediate chain 1, a core subunit of the cytoplasmic dynein motor complex that facilitates retrograde transport along microtubules 1. The protein serves as a cargo adaptor, mediating interactions between dynein and various cellular cargoes through recruitment of cargo-specific adaptor proteins 1. DYNC1LI1 plays a critical role in regulating endosomal trafficking and lysosomal degradation by interacting with Rab-mediated pathways 1. Mechanistically, LIC1 works with Rab-adaptor proteins RILPL1 and RILPL2 to promote lysosomal targeting of cargo, including VEGFR2-containing recycling endosomes 1. Loss of DYNC1LI1 function disrupts this balance, leading to increased Rab11-mediated endosomal recycling and elevated cell surface levels of pro-angiogenic receptors 1. Disease relevance includes involvement in angiogenesis regulation, where DYNC1LI1 deficiency results in excessive angiogenesis through enhanced SRC signaling 1. The protein also undergoes post-translational modifications, with distinct arginine methylation patterns compared to its paralog DYNC1LI2 2. DYNC1LI1 has been identified as a prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma and shows mutations in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma subgroups 34.