BC004004 encodes a homologous protein of bombesin receptor-activated protein (BRAP). Although its exact function remains to be fully elucidated, studies using gene knockout models have shown its potential involvement in multiple biological processes. These models are crucial for understanding the gene's function in vivo [1-5].

In BC004004-/-mice, lacking the BRAP homologous protein led to attenuation of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, with reduced fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, and enhanced autophagy [1]. In cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), global Bc004004 deletion alleviated tubular cell apoptosis and necroptosis [2]. In the context of chronic unpredictable mild stress, bc004004-/-mice showed earlier behavioral changes and reduced recognition memory, along with altered hippocampal synaptic plasticity [3]. Regarding renal fibrosis, BC004004-/-mice had attenuated injury and fibrosis, with suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tubular epithelial cells [4]. In psoriasis-like skin inflammation, BC004004-/-mice had an altered pattern of inflammation, with earlier onset, quicker remission, and different cytokine expression patterns [5].

In conclusion, BC004004 plays important roles in various disease conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, AKI, stress-related disorders, renal fibrosis, and psoriasis-like skin inflammation. The use of BC004004 knockout mouse models has been instrumental in revealing its functions in these biological processes, providing insights into potential disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

References:

1. Wang, Hui, Zhang, Wenrui, Liu, Rujiao, Pan, Lang, Qu, Xiangping. 2022. Lack of bombesin receptor-activated protein attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In Life science alliance, 5, . doi:10.26508/lsa.202201368. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35820707/

2. Peng, Liang, Liu, Di, Liu, Haiyang, Dong, Zheng, Liu, Hong. . Bombesin receptor-activated protein exacerbates cisplatin-induced AKI by regulating the degradation of SIRT2. In Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, 37, 2366-2385. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfac164. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35488871/

3. Yao, Xueping, Qin, Xiaoqun, Wang, Hui, Pan, Lang, Qu, Xiangping. . Lack of bombesin receptor-activated protein homologous protein impairs hippocampal synaptic plasticity and promotes chronic unpredictable mild stress induced behavioral changes in mice. In Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 26, 1-14. doi:10.1080/10253890.2022.2155513. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36520154/

4. Peng, Zhi, Wang, Hui, Zheng, Jiaoyun, Liu, Huijun, Qu, Xiangping. . Attenuation of renal fibrosis in mice due to lack of bombesin receptor-activated protein homologue. In Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology, 51, e13916. doi:10.1111/1440-1681.13916. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39155151/

5. Zheng, Jiaoyun, Wang, Hui, Wang, Jie, Liu, Huijun, Qu, Xiangping. 2024. Bombesin receptor-activated protein homolog deficiency altered the pattern of pathological changes of psoriasis - like skin lesion in mice. In International journal of medical sciences, 21, 357-368. doi:10.7150/ijms.89492. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38169666/