Dynein axonemal heavy chain 8 (DNAH8)

Dynein axonemal heavy chain 8 (DNAH8) is a large motor protein component of the dynein motor complex, predominantly expressed in sperm and ciliary cells. It is critical for generating force that drives the movement of eukaryotic cilia and flagella via ATP hydrolysis and microtubule binding. DNAH8 contains conserved AAA+ ATPase domains, microtubule-binding regions, and is structurally related to other axonemal dyneins. Mutations or deficiencies in DNAH8 disrupt ciliary beating and sperm motility, resulting in diseases including primary ciliary dyskinesia, male infertility, and other ciliopathies. Recent evidence implicates DNAH8 as a regulator of androgen receptor activity, with high expression in prostate cancers associated with tumor metastasis, recurrence, and poor patient prognosis. DNAH8 is also essential for flagellar assembly and interacts with other dynein proteins such as DNAH17. There are currently no specific drugs targeting DNAH8, but experimental knockdown impacts cell proliferation in cancer models.

Other names

DNAH8Dynein axonemal heavy chain 8Axonemal beta dynein heavy chain 8Ciliary dynein heavy chain 8ATPaseSPGF46HDHC9Dynein, axonemal, heavy polypeptide 8

Experimental: siRNA-mediated knockdown reduces AR-dependent transcription and prostate cancer cell proliferation.