EIF3J encodes a subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, which plays essential roles in protein synthesis initiation and termination. As part of the eIF3 complex, EIF3J facilitates recruitment of translation factors to the 40S ribosome, promotes mRNA recruitment and scanning for AUG recognition, and prevents premature ribosomal subunit joining 12. Beyond initiation, EIF3J directly participates in translation termination by facilitating loading of release factors (eRF1-eRF3) into the ribosome and stimulating peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis 3. The protein interacts with pre-termination ribosomal complexes and binds to release factors in the presence of GTP 3. Rare genetic variants in EIF3J are associated with reduced hand grip strength, suggesting its importance in muscle function 4. Disease relevance primarily involves the EIF3J-AS1 antisense RNA, which is overexpressed in multiple cancers including gastric, oral squamous cell, colorectal, hepatocellular carcinomas, and prostate cancer, where it promotes chemoresistance, autophagy regulation, and tumor progression 56789. These findings highlight EIF3J's dual roles in normal protein synthesis regulation and cancer pathogenesis through its antisense transcript.