C16orf72, also known as HAPSTR1 (HUWE1‑associated protein‑modifying stress responses 1) and TAPR1 (telomere attrition and p53 response 1), is a highly conserved protein‑coding gene located at chromosome 16p13.2. Its encoded protein functions as a stress‑response coordinator, acting as a rheostat that dampens excessive p53 activation upon telomere dysfunction or DNA damage, thereby protecting cells from inappropriate senescence or apoptosis. In addition, C16orf72 is recruited to chromatin under replication stress and participates in the DNA damage response, helping to prevent replication catastrophe. It also exhibits synthetic lethality with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), implicating it in telomere maintenance. Although not listed in conventional cancer gene databases, murine insertional mutagenesis supports its role as a cancer driver, and its elevated expression is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck cancer. Furthermore, copy‑number variations at this locus have been linked to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Ongoing research continues to elucidate its precise molecular mechanisms, with the aim of uncovering its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer and other diseases.. The MW of C16orf72 is 35 kDa and 25 kDa in our detection.