Stress-responsive protein involved in hormone responses, cell growth, and differentiation. Acts as a tumor suppressor in many cell types. Necessary but not sufficient for p53/TP53-mediated caspase activation and apoptosis. Has a role in cell trafficking, notably of the Schwann cell, and is necessary for the maintenance and development of the peripheral nerve myelin sheath. Required for vesicular recycling of CDH1 and TF. May also function in lipid trafficking. Protects cells from spindle disruption damage. Functions in p53/TP53-dependent mitotic spindle checkpoint. Regulates microtubule dynamics and maintains euploidy. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:15247272, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15377670, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17786215, ECO:0000269|PubMed:9766676}. This is the function of NDRG1 (N-myc downstream regulated 1, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000104419).