EXOC1 (exocyst complex component 1) is a core component of the octameric exocyst complex, a conserved protein machinery essential for vesicular tethering and secretion 1. Its primary function involves facilitating intracellular trafficking of cargo proteins to the plasma membrane and extracellular space. Mechanistically, EXOC1 operates through multiple pathways. In germ cells, it regulates pseudopod formation by inactivating the Rac1 GTPase and cooperates with SNARE proteins (STX2, SNAP23) for syncytia formation 2. EXOC1 also interacts with DISC1 at the endoplasmic reticulum to modulate IP3R1-mediated calcium signaling 3. Additionally, EXOC1 contributes to antiviral defense against flaviviruses by sequestering elongation factor 1-alpha (EEF1A1), reducing viral RNA synthesis and protein translation. Clinically, EXOC1 dysfunction causes severe reproductive pathology. EXOC1 depletion in oocytes impairs trafficking of c-KIT and GDF9, critical oocyte-granulosa cell signaling factors, resulting in complete female infertility through defective oocyte re-awakening and follicle growth 4. Similarly, male germ cell-specific EXOC1 deletion causes severe spermatogenesis defects 5. Additionally, EXOC1 upregulation associates with early-stage pancreatic cancer progression and metastatic potential 6, and EXOC1 variants correlate with albuminuria risk in Asian populations 7.