The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000073417 (PDE8A, phosphodiesterase 8A) is as follows. Hydrolyzes the second messenger cAMP, which is a key regulator of many important physiological processes (PubMed:18983167). May be involved in maintaining basal levels of the cyclic nucleotide and/or in the cAMP regulation of germ cell development (PubMed:18983167). Binding to RAF1 reduces RAF1 'Ser-259' inhibitory- phosphorylation and stimulates RAF1-dependent EGF-activated ERK- signaling (PubMed:23509299). Protects against cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide and staurosporine (PubMed:23509299). .