UTP11 is a nucleolar phosphoprotein and core component of the small subunit (SSU) processome involved in ribosomal biogenesis. Its primary function is to facilitate 18S rRNA biosynthesis by binding to the pre-rRNA processing factor MPP10 1. As part of the SSU processome machinery, UTP11 coordinates RNA folding, modifications, and cleavage of nascent pre-rRNA in the nucleolus. Mechanistically, UTP11 plays dual roles in cancer cell homeostasis. Its depletion impedes 18S rRNA biosynthesis, triggering nucleolar stress that prevents MDM2-mediated p53 degradation through ribosomal proteins RPL5 and RPL11 1. Additionally, UTP11 deficiency represses SLC7A11 expression by promoting NRF2 mRNA decay, reducing glutathione levels and enhancing ferroptosis 1. Conversely, UTP11 overexpression promotes cancer cell growth partly by enhancing Oct4 mRNA stability 2. Clinically, UTP11 is significantly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and other human cancers, consistently associating with poor prognosis 1342. It functions as a prognostic biomarker in HCC risk prediction models 4. Recent evidence links UTP11 to cardiac structure and function through ribosome biogenesis pathways 5. Notably, UTP11 expression is downregulated in early-stage Alzheimer's disease hippocampus, suggesting potential neurodegeneration implications 6.