KTN1 (kinectin 1) is a membrane-bound endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein that functions as a kinesin receptor for vesicle transport and organelle positioning. KTN1 specifically binds to perinuclear polyglutamylated microtubules to regulate ER distribution and positioning 1, with downstream effects on organelle localization and autophagic responses during nutrient starvation 1. Beyond its canonical transport role, KTN1 has emerged as a key regulator of brain structure and disease susceptibility. Genetic variants in KTN1 influence putamen volume, a dopaminergic hub implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions 2. KTN1 variants show significant associations with substance use disorders through effects on putamen gray matter volume and mRNA expression modulation by alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine 3. While preliminary transcriptomic evidence suggests potential KTN1 expression differences in Parkinson's disease-affected brain regions, no definitive genetic associations have been established 4. In cancer biology, KTN1 exhibits oncogenic functions. In triple-negative breast cancer, elevated KTN1 expression correlates with poor prognosis; KTN1 directly co-activates NF-κB/p65 to upregulate CXCL8, promoting cell proliferation and invasiveness 5. Additionally, the KTN1-AS1 lncRNA promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 6 and regulates cell cycle progression in non-small-cell lung cancer through CDK1 modulation 7.