The annexin family of calcium-binding proteins is composed of at least ten mammalian genes. It is characterized by a conserved core domain which binds to phospholipids in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Annexin family members have been implicated as regulators of diverse processes as ion flux, endocytosis and exocytosis, and cellular adhesion. Annexin VIII is preferentially expressed in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells which may relate its role in hematopoietic cell differentiation.