The RAI1 (Retinoic Acid Induced 1) gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 17. The RAI1 protein it encodes is a crucial transcriptional regulator, playing a central role in processes such as neurodevelopment, sleep regulation, circadian rhythms, and energy metabolism. This protein contains a chromatin domain that binds to specific DNA sequences and recruits other transcriptional co-factors to activate or repress the expression of downstream target genes. The RAI1 gene is extremely sensitive to haploinsufficiency, and its dysfunction is closely linked to several severe neurodevelopmental disorders. For instance, RAI1 haploinsufficiency causes Smith-Magenis syndrome, while duplication of the RAI1 gene is associated with Potocki-Lupski syndrome. Consequently, the RAI1 protein is a key molecule for understanding brain function and behavioral regulation, and a major focus of research for related genetic syndromes.