Bmi-1 is a member of the Polycomb repressor complex 1 that mediates gene silencing by regulating chromatin structure and is indispensable for self-renewal of both normal and cancer stem cells. Despite three decades of research that have elucidated the transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications and functions of Bmi-1 in regulating the DNA damage response, cellular bioenergetics, and pathologies, the entire potential of a protein with such varied functions remains to be realized. This review attempts to synthesize the current knowledge on Bmi-1 with an emphasis on its role in both normal physiology and cancer. Additionally, since cancer stem cells are emerging as a new paradigm for therapy resistance, the role of Bmi-1 in this perspective is also highlighted. The wide spectrum of malignancies that implicate Bmi-1 as a signature for stemness and oncogenesis also make it a suitable candidate for therapy. Nonetheless, new approaches are vitally needed to further characterize physiological roles of Bmi-1 with the long-term goal of using Bmi-1 as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target.
Publications
- Article type
- Year
- Co-author
Article type
Year
Open Access
Corrigendum
Issue
Genes & Diseases 2015, 2 (4): 353
Published: 08 December 2015
Downloads:1
Open Access
Review Article
Issue
Genes & Diseases 2015, 2 (3): 225-239
Published: 05 May 2015
Downloads:1
Total 2