C1orf122 (also known as ALAESM) is a lysosomal transmembrane protein and a member of the α/β hydrolase superfamily. It catalyzes the deacylation of cardiolipin to generate monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) within cells, serving as a key node in the mitochondrial cardiolipin remodeling pathway. Clinical multi-omics studies have revealed its significant overexpression in more than ten types of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, glioma, and gastric cancer, which is closely associated with shorter patient survival, immune infiltration, and activation of DNA damage repair pathways. In vitro experiments have confirmed that it promotes cancer cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting apoptosis, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and activating the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β-SRPK1 axis. It is regarded as a potential independent prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.