OTOR (otoraplin) is a conserved secreted protein primarily characterized by its cochlear-specific expression and cartilage-related functions 1. The gene encodes a protein with a predicted secretion signal peptide that shows high cross-species conservation 1. OTOR belongs to the melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) gene family, which comprises secreted extracellular proteins adopting an SH3 domain-like fold 23. Unlike other MIA family members with established tumor roles, OTOR is uniquely expressed in the cochlear tissues of the inner ear 4, where it likely contributes to cartilage development and sensory function alongside Col2A1 expression in cochlear cartilaginous structures 1. Recent evidence suggests OTOR has unexpected roles beyond hearing. In breast carcinoma, OTOR overexpression correlates with poor prognosis and enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasiveness through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation 5. OTOR variants have also been identified as potential contributors to retinoblastoma pathogenesis in exome sequencing studies 6. These findings indicate OTOR functions in both developmental processes and disease progression, making it a candidate for further investigation as a potential therapeutic target in cancer.