Poly(A) binding protein (PABP) family is commonly considered a protective barrier for the mRNA poly(A) tail. As a member of PABP family, cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein-1(PABPC1) binds to A-rich mRNA sequences with high affinity and plays an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation. In addition, PABPC1 also participates in many metabolic pathways of mRNA, including polyadenylation/deadenylation, mRNA transport, mRNA translation, degradation and microRNA-associated regulation. Recently, numerous studies demonstrate that PABPC1 associated with the growth of germ cells, the hypertrophy of myocardium and the development of tumors, suggesting a close relationship between PABPC1 and the growth and development of cells. In this review, we will mainly summarize the structure, expression regulation, function and biological function of PABPC1.