BACH1

BACH1 (BTB and CNC Homology 1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BACH1 gene. BACH1 is a transcription factor that belongs to the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family and the Cap 'n' Collar (CNC) subfamily.

Function

BACH1 is a transcriptional repressor that plays a significant role in the regulation of gene expression. It forms heterodimers with small Maf proteins and binds to Maf recognition elements (MAREs) on DNA. This binding represses genes involved in the oxidative stress response and the cell cycle.

BACH1 also plays a role in hematopoiesis, the process that leads to the formation of different types of blood cells. It is involved in the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into red blood cells and platelets.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the BACH1 gene have been associated with various diseases. For example, high levels of BACH1 have been found in several types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. In these cases, BACH1 promotes cancer progression by enhancing cell proliferation and migration, and by inhibiting cell death.

In addition, BACH1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease. In this condition, BACH1 represses the expression of fetal hemoglobin, which can ameliorate the symptoms of the disease.

See also

• BTB and CNC Homology 1
• Basic leucine zipper
• Gene expression
• Hematopoiesis
• Sickle cell disease