Vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8)

Vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8) is a SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) integral membrane protein essential for membrane fusion processes within cells, notably autophagosome-lysosome fusion, endosomal and exocytotic fusion events[3][5][6][7]. VAMP8 orchestrates autophagy, facilitates secretion of dense granules in platelets, regulated enzyme release in pancreatic acinar cells, midbody abscission during cell division, and is critical in the immune system for vesicular trafficking in lymphocytes and antiviral signaling[3][5][7]. Dysfunction or abnormal expression of VAMP8 has been linked to several diseases, including cancer progression and chemoresistance, inflammatory and immune disorders, genetic disease (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target in oncology and infection settings[3][4][7].

Other names

VAMP-8EndobrevinEDBvesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (endobrevin)vesicle-associated membrane protein 8

Not applicable for approved drugs; however, molecularly VAMP8 acts as a SNARE protein facilitating membrane fusion by forming complexes with t-SNAREs such as STX17 and SNAP29[5][6]. Its function is modulated by phosphorylation and regulatory factors impacting SNARE complex assembly and membrane trafficking[3].