Cell division cycle-associated protein 2 (CDCA2)

Cell division cycle-associated protein 2 (CDCA2) is a chromatin regulator that functions primarily by recruiting protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to chromatin during anaphase, forming a complex involved in nuclear envelope reformation and regulation of DNA damage response[1]. CDCA2 antagonizes the DNA damage sensor ATM and helps preserve cell cycle continuity by offsetting checkpoint activation. It promotes cell cycle progression through facilitating G1/S transition, upregulating cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 often via the PI3K/AKT pathway. CDCA2 overexpression dampens apoptosis from genotoxic stress and is frequently upregulated in multiple malignancies, correlating with enhanced proliferation and poor prognosis[1][2][3][4]. Knockdown of CDCA2 induces G1 arrest and increases apoptosis in cancer cell lines—demonstrating its importance in cell proliferation and cancer progression[4]. Its expression level is a biomarker for prognosis in several cancers, including HCC[3]. There are currently no established drugs directly targeting CDCA2, nor established mechanisms of action or safety profiles for such drugs, though its centrality to cell cycle and DNA damage response make it a potential therapeutic target.

Other names

Repo-ManPPP1R81Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 81Recruits PP1 onto mitotic chromatin at anaphase protein