Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 138 (CCDC138)

Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 138 is a soluble nuclear protein, predominantly expressed at low levels across most tissues, but upregulated in certain cancer contexts, especially UCEC. It is implicated in centrosome integrity, ciliary assembly, and regulation of key oncogenic pathways (mTOR, p53/Rb, MYC/MYCN). Knockdown experiments demonstrate reduced cellular proliferation and altered gene expression in cancer cell lines, supporting its oncogenic role. CCDC138 interacts with proteins central to microtubule dynamics and ciliogenesis, but has no well-defined enzymatic or receptor activity. The protein contains a conserved leucine zipper, is subject to extensive phosphorylation and sumoylation, and exists in at least two isoforms. Its dual associations with ciliary biology and oncogenic signaling mark it as a promising biomarker and candidate therapeutic target in cancer, while also hinting at possible roles in ciliopathies.

Other names

CCDC138FLJ32745Coiled-coil domain containing 1386230424H07Rik (mouse)

Not specifically established; knockdown reduces cell proliferation, downregulates mTOR, S6K1, and p21 (suggesting drugs targeting mTOR pathway may be more effective in CCDC138-high tumors)