KPNA5 is a nuclear import adapter protein that facilitates transport of proteins containing nuclear localization signals (NLS) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus via the importin pathway 1. It functions by recognizing and binding to classical and non-classical NLS motifs in cargo proteins, forming complexes with KPNB1 that are transported through nuclear pores in a Ran-GTP dependent manner 1. KPNA5 plays critical roles in cellular stress responses by mediating nuclear translocation of transcription factors like NRF2, which regulates antioxidant pathways 2. The protein is targeted by miR-153, and disruption of the miR-153-KPNA5-NRF2 axis contributes to oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in chr6 cerebral hypoperfusion 2. In cancer biology, KPNA5 functions as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by importing PTPN4 into the nucleus, where it inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation and downstream oncogenic signaling 3. KPNA5 is also exploited by viral pathogens, particularly Ebola virus VP24 protein, which binds to KPNA5 to gain nuclear access while simultaneously blocking STAT1 nuclear import and interferon signaling 451. Expression changes in KPNA5 are associated with various pathological conditions including cancer drug resistance and cellular senescence 67.