Minichromosome maintenance protein 8 (MCM8)

Minichromosome maintenance protein 8 (MCM8) is a highly conserved DNA helicase that participates in the initiation of DNA replication and DNA repair, particularly in facilitating homologous recombination for double-strand break repair and interstrand crosslink repair[4][6]. Structurally, like other MCM family members, MCM8 contains a zinc finger motif (for DNA binding), an ATPase domain for helicase activity, and a winged-helix domain[6]. In mammalian cells, MCM8 can form a functional helicase complex with MCM9 (MCM8/9) that is essential in repairing DNA damage, maintaining genome stability, and regulating cell division[4][6]. Aberrant expression or genetic mutation of MCM8 is associated with multiple types of cancer, poor prognosis, and certain syndromes such as primary ovarian insufficiency[2][7][8]. Knockdown of MCM8 results in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and increased cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and radiation, highlighting its therapeutic potential, though no approved drugs directly target MCM8 yet[2][8].

Other names

MCM8Minichromosome maintenance 8 homologMCM8 protein, human

Inhibition or knockdown of MCM8 leads to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents such as radiation and TMZ. Targeting the protein inhibits tumor cell proliferation and migration.