BMI1

BMI1 (B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BMI1 gene. It is a member of the Polycomb-group (PcG) family. PcG family members are known to form protein complexes that are involved in maintaining the transcriptional repressive state of genes over successive cell generations.

Function

The BMI1 gene is a proto-oncogene that functions as a transcriptional repressor. It plays a critical role in cell cycle regulation, cellular senescence, and stem cell renewal. The protein encoded by this gene is a component of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), a complex which has been shown to be involved in the maintenance of gene silencing and the regulation of transcription.

Clinical significance

Alterations in BMI1 expression have been implicated in several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and glioma. Overexpression of BMI1 has been associated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer. In addition, BMI1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

See also

• Polycomb-group
• Proto-oncogene
• Gene silencing
• Transcription (genetics)

References

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