BANF1
Overview
BANF1 (Barrier to Autointegration Factor 1) is a DNA-binding protein that seals nuclear membranes around chromosomes during cell division. In the context of chromosomally unstable cancers, BANF1 localizes to ruptured micronuclei containing cytosolic DNA, marking them as substrates for cGAS-STING innate immune pathway activation. It was identified as an early marker of genomic instability in HGSOC precursor lesions.
Alterations observed in the corpus
- BANF1 protein used as a marker for cytosolic DNA from ruptured micronuclei; BANF1+ micronuclei observed from the earliest HGSOC precursor stage (STIC.I) onward in a multimodal spatial profiling study of 44 fallopian tube specimens PMID:39386723.
- cGAS recruitment to BANF1+ micronuclei activates the cGAS-STING pathway from STIC.I stage, establishing innate immune signaling as an early event in HGSOC development PMID:39386723.
Cancer types (linked)
- OVT (High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma) — BANF1+ micronuclei are detectable in fallopian tube precursor lesions (p53 signatures, STICs), marking chromosomal instability-driven cGAS activation before frank malignancy PMID:39386723.
Co-occurrence and mutual exclusivity
Therapeutic relevance
- BANF1-marked micronuclei and cGAS-STING activation in HGSOC precursors may contribute to chronic interferon signaling and the interferon-related DNA damage resistance signature (IRDS), which correlates with chemoresistance PMID:39386723.
Open questions
- The functional consequence of BANF1 depletion vs. accumulation at micronuclei in regulating cGAS-STING activation thresholds in HGSOC precursors requires direct experimental validation PMID:39386723.
Sources
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