KEGG: sce:YNL039W
STRING: 4932.YNL039W
BDP1 functions as a general activator of RNA polymerase III transcription. It is essential for transcription from all three types of polymerase III promoters, including those with internal promoter elements and those with promoter elements upstream of the initiation site . The protein localizes to concentrated aggregates in the nucleus and serves as a subunit of the TFIIIB transcription initiation complex, which recruits RNA polymerase III to target promoters to initiate transcription . During cell division, BDP1 is phosphorylated by casein kinase II during mitosis, resulting in its release from chromatin and suppression of polymerase III transcription . This regulatory mechanism helps control gene expression during the cell cycle.
BDP1 is known by several alternative names in the scientific literature, which can cause confusion when searching databases. These alternative designations include:
TFC5
TFNR (Transcription factor-like nuclear regulator)
TAF3B1
KIAA1241
KIAA1689
TFIIIB90
HSA238520
TFIIIB150
DKFZp686K0831
DKFZp686C01233
The gene accession number is NM_018429, which can be useful for specific sequence queries in genomic databases .
There are multiple types of BDP1 antibodies available for research, including:
Mouse Monoclonal antibodies - Example: clone 2073D1a (ab74415), with IgG1 isotype
Polyclonal Mouse IgG antibodies - Example: H00026469-B01P, reactive to human and mouse BDP1
Each antibody type offers different advantages depending on the experimental context. Monoclonal antibodies provide high specificity for a single epitope, making them suitable for targeted analysis of BDP1. Polyclonal antibodies recognize multiple epitopes and can generate stronger signals in certain applications but may have more cross-reactivity .
Based on the available data, BDP1 antibodies have been validated for the following applications:
| Application | Validation Status | Antibody Example |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | Validated | ab74415, H00026469-B01P |
| Dot Blot (DB) | Validated | BMR00676 |
| Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence | Validated | H00026469-B01P |
The monoclonal antibody ab74415 has been specifically tested and validated for Western blot applications with recombinant fragment samples, having a predicted band size of 294 kDa . When selecting an antibody for a specific application, it is important to check the validation status for your particular experimental system .
BDP1 expression shows cancer-specific alterations that may have clinical relevance:
Overexpressed in:
Breast cancer (versus normal tissue)
Colorectal cancer (p = 2.07 × 10^-5, 105 patients)
Castrate-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (p = 2.60 × 10^-11)
Underexpressed in:
Lymphoma (p = 8.37 × 10^-7, 131 patients)
Specifically in Burkitt's lymphoma (p = 1.54 × 10^-11)
ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
Variable expression in:
These expression patterns suggest tissue-specific roles for BDP1 in oncogenesis and tumor progression, with particular significance in hematological malignancies .
BDP1 expression has significant clinical relevance in specific lymphoma subtypes:
In activated B-cell (ABC) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), decreased BDP1 expression correlates with poor clinical outcomes, including:
Higher recurrence rates at 1 year (p = 0.021) and 3 years (p = 0.005)
Increased mortality at 1 year (p = 0.030) and 3 years (p = 0.012)
These correlations suggest that BDP1 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in ABC DLBCL, the most common lymphoma diagnosed in adults and one with particularly poor prognosis. The specificity of BDP1 underexpression in certain lymphoma subtypes makes it a candidate for targeted research into lymphoma pathogenesis and potential therapeutic approaches .
Analysis of the BDP1 promoter has identified several putative binding sites for transcription factors that are frequently deregulated in lymphomas:
MYC - Binding sites at positions -582 and -581 relative to the transcription start site (TSS)
MYC and BDP1 expression are inversely correlated in ALK+ ALCL
This suggests MYC may repress BDP1 expression
BCL6 - Binding sites at positions -985, -936, -384, -362, -287, -276, and -173
Both BCL6 and BDP1 expression are decreased in ALK+ ALCL
E2F4 - Binding sites in the BDP1 promoter
E2F4 expression remains relatively unchanged in ALK+ ALCL
KLF4 - Binding sites at positions -734, -593, -553, -459, and -291
This regulatory network provides insight into the mechanisms controlling BDP1 expression in different cancer contexts, particularly in lymphoma where BDP1 is significantly underexpressed .
For optimal Western blot results with BDP1 antibodies, researchers should consider:
Sample Preparation:
BDP1 is a large protein (predicted size: 294 kDa), requiring careful sample preparation
Use fresh samples when possible and include protease inhibitors
Sonicate samples to ensure complete lysis and protein extraction
Gel Electrophoresis:
Use low percentage (6-8%) SDS-PAGE gels to properly resolve high molecular weight proteins
Load adequate protein amounts (typically 20-50 μg total protein per lane)
Include positive controls such as recombinant BDP1 fragments when available
Transfer and Detection:
Employ wet transfer methods for large proteins
Use PVDF membranes for better retention of high molecular weight proteins
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST
Incubate with primary antibody at manufacturer-recommended dilutions
Use appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies and enhanced chemiluminescence detection
When using monoclonal antibodies like ab74415, researchers should expect a predicted band size of 294 kDa. Validation data shows successful detection of recombinant fragment corresponding to the immunizing peptide .
For clinical sample analysis of BDP1 expression, multiple approaches can be employed:
Protein-level analysis:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using validated BDP1 antibodies on tissue microarrays
Western blotting of tissue lysates
Flow cytometry for hematological malignancies
mRNA expression analysis:
Quantitative RT-PCR for BDP1 transcript levels
RNA-seq for comprehensive transcriptome analysis
In situ hybridization for spatial expression assessment
Correlation with clinical parameters:
Research has demonstrated that integrating BDP1 expression data with clinical outcomes can provide valuable prognostic information, particularly in ABC DLBCL where decreased BDP1 expression correlates with recurrence and mortality at 1 and 3 years .
Proper controls are essential for reliable BDP1 research in cancer studies:
Positive controls:
Negative controls:
Methodological controls:
Clinical correlation controls:
The molecular mechanisms by which BDP1 influences cancer progression appear to involve its core function in RNA polymerase III transcription:
Regulation of tRNA and small RNA synthesis:
BDP1, as part of the TFIIIB complex, controls the expression of tRNAs and other small RNAs
Altered tRNA pools can affect translational efficiency and protein synthesis rates
This may influence the production of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors
Transcriptional network interactions:
Cell cycle influence:
The significant underexpression of BDP1 in lymphomas and its correlation with poor clinical outcomes in ABC DLBCL suggest a potential tumor suppressor role in these contexts, warranting further investigation into therapeutic implications .
Based on current knowledge about BDP1, several promising research directions emerge:
Biomarker development:
Validation of BDP1 as a prognostic biomarker in ABC DLBCL
Investigation of BDP1 expression in other cancer types with variable expression
Integration of BDP1 with other biomarkers for improved risk stratification
Therapeutic targeting:
Exploration of approaches to modulate BDP1 expression or activity
Investigation of synthetic lethality between BDP1 status and other targetable pathways
Development of therapies addressing the downstream effects of altered BDP1 expression
Mechanistic studies:
Multi-omics integration:
Correlation of BDP1 expression with genomic alterations, epigenetic modifications, and proteome changes
Investigation of BDP1's influence on the cancer metabolome through altered tRNA pools
Development of integrated models predicting cancer outcomes based on BDP1 status combined with other molecular features
These research directions hold potential to translate the observed correlations between BDP1 expression and clinical outcomes into actionable insights for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.