Copines are ubiquitously expressed, phospholipid-binding proteins that have been conserved through evolution. In this paper, we report the cloning and molecular characterization of a new member of the Copine family, Copine 8. This gene has been isolated and characterized using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental approaches. Using an algorithm to cluster ESTs (expressed sequence tags) that are available through the public "GoldenPath" database, Copine 8 was initially identified as a gene predominantly expressed in prostate and testis. Cloning and molecular analysis revealed that this gene is expressed in low-levels in most tissues examined. Two different isoforms of this gene have been isolated. Strongest expression of Copine 8 mRNA is seen in the prostate, heart, and brain. Taken together, this data suggest that Copine 8 may have an important role to play in prostate regulation and development. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.