Cell division cycle-associated protein 3 (CDCA3)

Cell division cycle-associated protein 3 (CDCA3) is a cell cycle regulatory protein that serves as a ‘trigger’ for mitotic entry, primarily by mediating the degradation of inhibitory kinases such as Wee1 through its role in the SKP1-Cullin-F-box ubiquitin ligase complex[2][3][4]. CDCA3 drives transitions in the cell cycle, especially G1/S and G2/M, by lowering the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (notably p21) and upregulating E2F1 transcription factor activity. CDCA3 is consistently overexpressed in several malignancies, where it promotes cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and can contribute to resistance to targeted therapies (e.g., sunitinib). Its upregulation correlates with poor patient prognosis and increased tumor aggressiveness, particularly in colorectal, oral squamous cell, non-small cell lung, and renal cell carcinomas. As such, CDCA3 is a candidate prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in cancer biology[1][2][3][4].

Other names

CDCA3C8GRCC8TOME1TOME-1Gene-rich cluster protein C8Trigger of mitotic entry protein 1cell division cycle-associated protein 3trigger of mitotic entry 1

Potential mechanisms for drugs targeting CDCA3 would include: Inhibition of CDCA3 expression or activity to arrest cell cycle progression; Restoration of inhibitory kinase function (e.g., Wee1); Enhancement of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (e.g., increase in p21).