Basigin-1 (BSG)

Basigin-1 is an extended isoform of basigin, a highly glycosylated plasma membrane protein in the immunoglobulin superfamily, encoded by the BSG gene. Basigin functions as a type I integral membrane receptor with multiple roles in cellular communication, cell–matrix interactions, and signal transduction. It is a chaperone for monocarboxylate transporters, an inducer of matrix metalloproteinases supporting tumor metastasis, an important receptor for cyclophilins (implicated in inflammation and infection dynamics), and mediates essential processes in vision, immunity, development, and reproduction. Basigin-1 is distinguished from the more common isoform (basigin-2) by having three, rather than two, immunoglobulin-like domains in its extracellular region. It is essential for certain physiological processes, such as neuronal and retinal health, spermatogenesis, and embryo implantation, and also serves as the Ok blood group antigen determinant. Its wide tissue expression and disease associations make it a significant therapeutic target but present challenges for drug development due to potential effects in normal tissues.

Other names

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducerEMMPRINCluster of differentiation 147CD147Ok blood group antigenRod-derived cone viability factor receptor (for the retina-specific isoform)

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase induction (anticancer approach); Blockade of parasite invasion (antimalarial strategy); Inhibition of cyclophilin A/B signaling (anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential).