Brain and acute leukemia cytoplasmic protein (BAALC)

Brain and acute leukemia cytoplasmic protein (BAALC) is a cytoplasmic protein highly expressed in neuroectoderm-derived tissues and several cancers, most notably acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where it serves as a negative prognostic marker[2][5]. In leukemia cells, BAALC acts as a scaffolding protein that regulates cell proliferation and survival by modulating ERK pathway signaling, often through interactions with MEKK1 and possible inhibition of MAP kinase phosphatase, leading to sustained ERK activation[1]. In breast cancer, BAALC is overexpressed in primary tumors and metastatic lesions compared to normal breast tissue, with high expression correlating with more aggressive disease and poorer patient outcome. Functional studies show BAALC enhances cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration—partly through interaction with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and upregulation of MMP-9 activity—suggesting a critical role in cancer metastasis and reinforcing its value as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target[1]. No approved drugs currently target BAALC directly, and its role in normal brain development suggests any future therapies would require careful evaluation for neurological toxicity[1][2].

Other names

BAALC binder of MAP3K1 and KLF4BAALCMEKK1 and KLF4 bindingMAP3K1 and KLF4 bindingbrain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmicBAALC_HUMANGC08P103158GC08P104221GC08P103821GC08P104109GC08P104222GC08P104152GC08P099353GC08P103141GC08P103142GC08P103149GC08P103156GC08P103164GC08P103173GC08P103183GC08P103193GC08P103206GC08P103218GC08P103230GC08P103240GC08P103254GC08P103270GC08P103285GC08P103304

not established; high BAALC expression is a biomarker or risk factor, not a direct drug target; possible future target for molecules preventing cancer cell proliferation, migration or metastasis