Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is a member of the cold shock protein family, featuring a cold shock domain and a nuclear localization signal responsible for binding to DNA and RNA. YB-1 primarily localizes in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm, regulating transcription, translation, and mRNA stability. It plays a role in cellular responses, proliferation, differentiation, and stress response signaling pathways. The expression of YB-1 shows specific increases in various tissues and cancers, and its overexpression is associated with the progression, drug resistance, and poor prognosis of multiple cancers. While mutations in the YB-1 gene are relatively rare, imbalances in its regulation significantly impact cellular physiology and pathological states, making it a focal point for research and treatment.