SR-related CTD associated factor 8 (SCAF8)

SR-related CTD associated factor 8 (SCAF8) is an RNA-binding protein involved in controlling mRNA processing during transcription in human cells. SCAF8 acts as an anti-terminator protein by suppressing the use of early, alternative polyadenylation sites, thereby preventing premature transcript termination and the production of non-functional, truncated mRNAs and proteins. It associates with the phosphorylated C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II, binds nascent RNA upstream of early polyA sites, and independently functions as a positive elongation factor for transcript progression. SCAF8 is broadly expressed across tissues, localizes to the nucleoplasm, and is essential for proper gene expression. It acts redundantly with SCAF4 for its anti-termination function; lack of both factors is lethal to cells due to widespread disruption of mRNA maturation. Currently, no approved drugs or small molecules target SCAF8 directly, and it is not regarded as a therapeutic target in standard pharmacology databases.

Other names

SR-related and CTD-associated factor 8CCAP7KIAA1116CDC5L complex-associated protein 7RNA-binding motif protein 16RBM16SR-like CTD-associated factor 8protein SCAF8