KPNA1 (karyopherin subunit alpha 1) is a nuclear transport protein that facilitates the translocation of cargo proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus by recognizing nuclear localization sequences (NLS) and forming complexes with importin β1 1. Beyond its classical nuclear import function, KPNA1 demonstrates broader cellular roles including axonal transport in neurons, where it exhibits bidirectional motility and associates with endosome/lysosome factors 2. KPNA1 mediates nuclear translocation of several important proteins including NF-κB p65, promoting colon cancer progression through NF-κB signaling activation 3, and RFNG, which contributes to chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer 1. The protein also facilitates NSUN2 nuclear localization in bladder cancer, driving RNA m5C modification 4. Disease relevance is significant, as KPNA1 is overexpressed in multiple cancers and its mutations are associated with psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia 5 6. Gene-environment interaction studies demonstrate that KPNA1 deficiency combined with environmental stressors exacerbates psychiatric disorder-related behaviors, suggesting its importance in neurodevelopmental pathways 7. Clinically, KPNA1 represents a potential therapeutic target for both cancer treatment and psychiatric disorders.