BSG - basigin | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

Basigin, also known as CD147 or EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer), is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is widely expressed in various tissues and cell types. It is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays a significant role in several physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, neural function, inflammation, and cancer progression. Basigin is known for its involvement in the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, thus facilitating tissue remodeling and tumor invasion.

Protein Structure

Basigin is composed of a single polypeptide chain with two immunoglobulin-like domains in its extracellular region. The protein has a transmembrane domain that anchors it to the cell membrane and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular region is heavily glycosylated, which is crucial for its interactions with other proteins and its function in cell adhesion and signaling.

Classification and Subtypes

Basigin belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is classified under the subclass of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). There are several isoforms of Basigin, which arise from alternative splicing. These isoforms vary mainly in the length of their extracellular domain, which can influence their functional interactions and tissue-specific expression patterns.

Function and Biological Significance

Basigin is involved in numerous biological processes:

• Induction of MMPs: It stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinases, facilitating extracellular matrix remodeling and promoting cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
• Cell Adhesion: Basigin mediates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, contributing to tissue organization and repair.
• Transport of Metabolites: It plays a role in the transport of lactate and other metabolites across the cell membrane, which is particularly important in tissues with high metabolic activity.
• Immune Response: Basigin is involved in the regulation of immune cell functions, including lymphocyte activation and trafficking.

Clinical Issues

Basigin has been implicated in various clinical conditions:

• Cancer: Overexpression of Basigin is associated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. It is involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
• Infectious Diseases: Basigin acts as a receptor for certain pathogens, including the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, facilitating their entry into host cells.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Basigin is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia due to its role in inflammatory processes and tissue remodeling.

Summary

Basigin is a multifunctional protein that plays crucial roles in cell adhesion, metabolism, and immune response. Its involvement in the induction of MMPs makes it a key player in tissue remodeling and cancer progression. The overexpression of Basigin in various cancers and its role as a receptor for pathogens highlight its clinical significance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Basigin's functions and its interactions with other proteins may provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating cancer and other diseases.