Placenta-specific protein 8 (PLAC8)

Placenta-specific protein 8 (PLAC8), also known as Onzin, is a small, highly conserved cysteine-rich protein that plays a critical role in various cellular processes including proliferation, apoptosis, and immune defense (UniProt Q9NZF1). While initially identified in the placenta, it is also highly expressed in the hematopoietic system, where it is essential for the bactericidal activity of macrophages and the regulation of autophagy (PubMed: 21170305). In the context of oncology, PLAC8 is frequently upregulated in several malignancies, such as pancreatic, colon, and breast cancers, where it promotes tumor progression by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhancing cell survival under metabolic stress (PubMed: 24333729). Its ability to modulate the p53/MDM2 axis and lysosomal acidification makes it a significant factor in therapy resistance and metastasis (PubMed: 25605863). Although no clinical-stage drugs currently target PLAC8, its specific overexpression in aggressive tumors positions it as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for precision medicine (NCBI Gene: 51316).

Other names

OnzinC15orf2Placenta-specific gene 8 proteinMGC10285

Modulation of autophagy and lysosomal acidification to promote cell survival; regulation of the p53/MDM2 signaling axis; induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways.