Adhesion regulating molecule 1 (ADRM1), also known as regulatory particle non-ATPase subunit 13 (Rpn13), is a multifunctional proteasome-associated ubiquitin receptor that bridges protein degradation and cellular signaling networks. Structurally, ADRM1 comprises an N-terminal pleckstrin-like receptor for ubiquitin (Pru) domain responsible for ubiquitin and proteasome recognition, and a C-terminal DEUBAD domain that activates the deubiquitinating enzyme UCH37, jointly coordinating substrate recognition and deubiquitination within the 26S proteasome. Functionally, ADRM1 regulates multiple biological processes including cell adhesion, cytoskeletal remodeling, and signaling transduction. By interacting with Phg2, HDAC8, and PADI4, ADRM1 modulates cytoskeletal homeostasis and cell motility through transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Overexpression of ADRM1 has been consistently observed in a wide spectrum of malignancies such as colorectal, ovarian, gastric, hepatic, and multiple myeloma where it promotes tumor proliferation, migration, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance, underscoring its oncogenic potential. In addition to its cancer-related functions, ADRM1 plays crucial roles in bone metabolism, reproductive development, and immune regulation. It modulates osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation via the RANKL/OPG axis and participates in gametogenesis and endocrine balance, revealing its systemic physiological importance. Recent advances in structural biology, gene editing, and proteomic technologies have significantly deepened the mechanistic understanding of ADRM1 and facilitated the identification of small-molecule inhibitors such as RA190, which selectively target its Pru domain and exhibit strong anti-tumor efficacy. Collectively, ADRM1 represents a pivotal molecular hub integrating proteasomal activity with diverse signaling networks and holds promise as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target across multiple disease contexts.
