WDR36 (WD repeat domain 36) is an essential protein that functions primarily in ribosomal biogenesis as a component of the small subunit (SSU) processome 1. As a functional homolog of yeast Utp21, WDR36 localizes to the nucleolus where it regulates the nucleolar processing and maturation of 18S rRNA, a critical step in ribosome assembly 2. The protein contains 14 WD40 repeats that form β-propeller structures and interacts with glycolytic enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase A to regulate glucose metabolism during early embryonic development 3. Beyond its ribosomal function, WDR36 safeguards self-renewal and pluripotency in extended pluripotent stem cells through interactions with the p53 stress-response pathway 41. WDR36 depletion triggers p53-mediated apoptosis and impairs early embryonic development, with homozygous knockout causing preimplantation embryonic lethality in mice 2. Clinically, WDR36 variants associate with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness 5. Rare WDR36 mutations increase glaucoma susceptibility, particularly through genetic interactions with p53 polymorphisms 6. However, meta-analysis of common WDR36 polymorphisms showed no significant association with POAG, HTG, or NTG 7, suggesting rare variants rather than common polymorphisms drive glaucoma risk.