DZIP1 (DAZ interacting zinc finger protein 1) is a molecular adapter protein essential for cilium assembly and spermatogenesis. Structurally, DZIP1 contains a C2H2 zinc finger domain 1 and functions as a scaffolding protein at the ciliary base body. Its primary role involves recruiting protein complexes required for ciliogenesis, including the BBSome and intraflagellar transport machinery, by bridging these complexes to centriolar satellites 2. DZIP1 is also critical for spermatogenesis through basal body organization and sperm flagellum assembly 3. Beyond structural roles, DZIP1 participates in Hedgehog signaling regulation and forms a complex with CBY1 and β-catenin that suppresses β-catenin activity during cardiac valve development 4. Additionally, DZIP1 functions in ribonucleoprotein complexes and stress granule formation, with associated mRNAs involved in cell cycle regulation 5. Clinically, mutations in DZIP1 cause spermatogenic failure characterized by multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella 3, while dysregulation contributes to mitral valve prolapse through aberrant β-catenin signaling and extracellular matrix degradation 46. DZIP1 upregulation in gastric cancer promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immunosuppression 7, suggesting broader roles in disease pathogenesis.