Cell division cycle 40 homolog (CDC40)

Cell division cycle 40 homolog (CDC40) is a highly conserved WD repeat-containing protein that acts as an essential component of the activated spliceosome, specifically required for the second catalytic step of pre-mRNA splicing[1][4][7]. It contains seven WD repeats facilitating protein-protein interactions and has high sequence similarity to yeast Prp17[4][1]. Besides its spliceosomal role, CDC40 is linked to cell cycle progression, with evidence showing its involvement in transitions at G1/S and G2/M checkpoints, and a role in cell proliferation and migration[1][5][2]. Dysregulation of CDC40, often via aberrant microRNA regulation, is implicated in multiple cancers including lung, colorectal, hepatocellular, and gastric cancer, partly by promoting abnormal proliferation and splicing defects[1][5]. CDC40’s protein-protein interaction network mainly involves core spliceosomal components, primarily the NineTeen Complex (NTC)[5]. Loss or inhibition of CDC40 results in global transcriptome changes, especially intron retention, evoking cell cycle arrest and apoptosis[5]. Although considered a potential oncology target, direct pharmacological targeting is complicated by its fundamental and ubiquitous role in mRNA splicing and cell viability[5].

Other names

Pre-mRNA-processing factor 17PRP17PRPF17EHB3EH-binding protein 3hPRP17FLJ10564PCH15