WDR74 is a nucleolar regulatory protein that plays a critical role in ribosome biogenesis, specifically in the synthesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit 1. The protein functions as part of a pre-ribosomal subcomplex called the WDR74 module, which includes WDR74, RPF1, MAK16, and RRP1, and coordinates both early and late pre-rRNA processing stages 1. WDR74 participates in early cleavage of the pre-rRNA processing pathway and is essential for accurate pre-rRNA cleavage during 60S ribosome biogenesis 1. The protein interacts with the MTREX-exosome complex and MTR4 RNA helicase, with its release regulated by the NVL2 AAA-ATPase through ATP hydrolysis 1. Beyond ribosome biogenesis, WDR74 has emerged as an oncogenic factor in multiple cancer types, promoting tumor growth and metastasis through various signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin in lung cancer 2 and the RPL5-MDM2-p53 pathway in melanoma 3. WDR74 also facilitates wound healing through TGF-β/Smad pathway activation and M2 macrophage polarization 4. Genetic variants in WDR74 are associated with non-small cell lung cancer susceptibility and prognosis 5, highlighting its clinical significance as both a therapeutic target and biomarker.