BMI-1 in Breast Cancer - Biological Role and Clinical Implications

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. Despite extensive research in recent years the molecular basis of breast cancer development, growth and metastasis remains unclear. Numerous studies highlight the involvement of BMI-1 in tumorigenesis. BMI-1 protein is a key component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1, which by ubiquitinylation of histone H2A, regulates expression of genes involved in various cellular processes including cell cycle, proliferation and programmed cell death. Overexpression of BMI-1 has been often associated with breast cancer development and progression. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of BMI-1's role in breast cancer biology and its potential significance as prognostic marker and potential target of new anticancer therapy.