When you think about what makes cancer so tough to beat, you might picture rogue cells dividing out of control. But deep inside those cells, the real drama is being directed by a powerful protein you’ve probably never heard of: RAN . Once a obscure cellular manager, RAN is now stepping into the spotlight as a key driver of cancer—and a promising new target for some of the most aggressive cases. Let’s break down how this tiny protein has such a massive impact. The Usual Beat: