DYNLL1 (dynein light chain LC8-type 1) is a multifunctional protein component of the cytoplasmic dynein 1 motor complex essential for intracellular retrograde transport of vesicles and organelles along microtubules 1. Beyond its canonical role in dynein function, DYNLL1 acts as a protein-protein adapter with critical roles in DNA damage response and cancer development. In DNA damage signaling, phosphorylated DYNLL1 is recruited to double-strand breaks by TP53BP1 where it binds MRE11 to inhibit DNA end resection and limit homologous recombination 2. This function influences genomic stability and chemotherapy responses, particularly in BRCA1-deficient cells where DYNLL1 loss restores homologous recombination and platinum drug resistance 2. DYNLL1 is significantly upregulated in multiple cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma, correlating with poor prognosis 345. In hepatocellular carcinoma, DYNLL1 accelerates cell cycle progression via the ILF2/CDK4 axis and predicts sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors 4. In lung adenocarcinoma, the TEAD4-DYNLL1 axis promotes cell cycle progression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling 5. DYNLL1 also regulates apoptosis by sequestering pro-apoptotic BCL2L11 to microtubules 6. Additionally, DYNLL1 is hijacked by viruses including Ebola virus to facilitate intracellular replication 7.