BZW1 Gene - Basic Leucine Zipper and W2 Domain-Containing Protein 1

BZW1 (basic leucine zipper and W2 domain-containing protein 1) is a protein-coding gene that encodes a translation initiation factor involved in the regulation of protein synthesis. The protein contains a conserved W2 domain that interacts with eIF5 and eIF2, modulating translation initiation. BZW1 also functions as a transcriptional regulator and is implicated in cell cycle progression, particularly at the G1/S transition. Overexpression of BZW1 has been observed in several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, where it promotes proliferation and metastasis.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• hsa03013: RNA transport

• hsa04110: Cell cycle

• hsa05200: Pathways in cancer

BZW1 is a 45 kDa protein containing an N-terminal basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain and a C-terminal W2 domain. The W2 domain mediates binding to eIF5 and eIF2, facilitating translation initiation. BZW1 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and its expression is cell-cycle regulated, peaking at G1/S. The protein also interacts with cyclin D1 and c-Myc mRNAs, enhancing their translation. In cancer, BZW1 overexpression drives proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance.