BPI fold containing family A, member 4, pseudogene (BPIFA4P)

BPIFA4P is a human pseudogene belonging to the BPI/LBP/PLUNC family, a group defined by the presence of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) fold, associated with surfactant function and bacterial defense in other species[1]. In other mammals, its protein product (BPIFA4 or latherin) serves as a salivary and sweat gland surfactant involved in evaporative cooling and first-line defense against bacteria. In humans, BPIFA4P is a pseudogene due to a frameshift mutation, resulting in a truncated non-functional protein that is nevertheless transcribed and translated in certain tissues, including breast cancer and salivary glands[1][4][5]. Despite some expression in tumors and other tissues, it does not have a known functional protein product or established therapeutic target status. Its presence—particularly as the BASE transcript—was proposed as a potential biomarker in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, though the physiological or pathological significance is not established[1]. There are no known drugs or specific mechanisms of action for BPIFA4P, and no notable safety concerns or therapeutic challenges associated with it.

Other names

Putative BPIFA4P proteinBASELATHBreast cancer and salivary gland-expressed proteinPutative latherinbreast cancer and salivary gland expression genePLUNC family pseudogene