BAMBI

BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BAMBI gene. It is a pseudo-receptor of type I receptors. BAMBI structurally lacks intracellular serine/threonine kinase domain for signal transduction, so it may act as a negative regulator of TGF beta signaling.

Function

BAMBI is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. This protein is a pseudo-receptor, lacking the intracellular serine/threonine kinase domain required for signaling. Similar to other members of this family, BAMBI plays a role in the regulation of cellular growth and development.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the BAMBI gene have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and inflammatory diseases. In cancer, BAMBI can act as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the type of cancer. In fibrosis, BAMBI has been shown to regulate the fibrotic process, and in inflammatory diseases, BAMBI can modulate the inflammatory response.

See also

• TGF-beta
• Cellular growth
• Development
• Cancer
• Fibrosis
• Inflammatory diseases

External links

• BAMBI at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)