DCAF8

DCAF8 (DDB1 and CUL4 Associated Factor 8) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DCAF8 gene. This protein is a part of the CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase complex, which plays a crucial role in the cell cycle and DNA damage repair.

Function[edit | edit source]

The DCAF8 protein is a member of the WD repeat protein family. WD repeat proteins are involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, signal transduction, apoptosis, and gene regulation. The DCAF8 protein interacts with DDB1 and CUL4 to form a complex that functions as a ubiquitin ligase. This complex is involved in the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of target proteins, playing a crucial role in the maintenance of genome stability.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the DCAF8 gene have been associated with several types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. The DCAF8 protein may also play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases due to its involvement in the degradation of damaged proteins.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into the DCAF8 protein and its associated gene is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, and disease development. Understanding the function of the DCAF8 protein could potentially lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

File:DCAF8 protein structure.jpg

The structure of the DCAF8 protein. Image from Wikimedia Commons.