BANF1
BANF1 (barrier to autointegration nuclear assembly factor 1, also known as BAF) is a small DNA-binding protein of the BAF family. It links chromatin to nuclear envelope proteins and was first identified through its protection of retroviral DNA from autointegration. Browse Assay Genie's current range of BANF1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
BANF1 forms a homodimer that binds double-stranded DNA in a non-specific manner and also binds LEM-domain containing proteins of the nuclear envelope. By engaging both DNA and inner nuclear membrane proteins, it is thought to facilitate nuclear reassembly, recruiting chromatin to the nuclear periphery. The protein is specifically associated with chromosomes during mitosis.
The BANF1 protein localises to the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and UniProt also records it at chromosomes and the nuclear envelope. The BANF1 gene encodes a single protein, although alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants that all encode the same protein. Mouse and rat each have a Banf1 ortholog.
The protein was first identified by its ability to protect retroviruses from intramolecular integration, which promotes intermolecular integration into the host cell genome; this explains the name barrier to autointegration factor, and the symbol BAF. Retroviruses exploit BANF1 to inhibit self-destructing autointegration of their DNA, favouring integration into the host chromosome. In HIV-1 infection, BANF1 and emerin (EMD) act as cooperative cofactors: association of EMD with viral DNA requires BANF1 and viral integrase, and association of viral DNA with chromatin requires both BANF1 and EMD. Earlier names for the gene include BAF nuclear assembly factor 1 and barrier to autointegration factor 1.
BANF1 binds DNA and inner nuclear membrane proteins, so it is studied for how chromatin is recruited to the nuclear periphery as the nucleus reforms.
The protein associates specifically with chromosomes during mitosis, making it a subject for work on chromatin organisation through cell division.
BANF1 is exploited by retroviruses to prevent autointegration of viral DNA and promote integration into the host chromosome.
BANF1 and emerin cooperate as host cofactors of HIV-1 infection, linking viral DNA to chromatin through viral integrase.
BANF1 binds double-stranded DNA without sequence preference and binds LEM-domain proteins of the nuclear envelope. It is thought to facilitate nuclear reassembly by recruiting chromatin to the nuclear periphery. Retroviruses also exploit it to favour integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome.
BANF1 is also called BAF, and earlier names include BAF nuclear assembly factor 1 and barrier to autointegration factor 1. Alternative splicing gives multiple transcript variants, but according to RefSeq they all encode the same protein, so there are no distinct protein isoforms.
Mouse and rat both carry a Banf1 ortholog. BANF1 acts as a cofactor of HIV-1 infection together with emerin, supporting association of viral DNA with chromatin. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Nuclear envelope proteins, LEM-domain partners and other chromatin-associated targets studied alongside BANF1.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O75531; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.