BCAR1 (Breast Cancer Anti-estrogen Resistance 1), also known as p130Cas, is a scaffold protein encoded by the BCAR1 gene. It belongs to the CAS (Crk-associated substrate) protein family and plays a critical role in cellular signaling pathways regulating cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. Structurally, BCAR1 contains multiple domains, including an SH3 domain and a substrate domain with tyrosine phosphorylation sites, enabling interactions with signaling molecules like Src kinases, Crk, and integrins. These interactions facilitate downstream activation of pathways such as MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT, influencing cytoskeletal reorganization and gene expression.
In cancer biology, BCAR1 is linked to tumor progression and therapy resistance. Overexpression of BCAR1 is associated with anti-estrogen resistance in breast cancer, often correlating with aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis. It promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis by enhancing cell motility and invasiveness. BCAR1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting its expression and phosphorylation status in research. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study BCAR1’s role in cancer mechanisms, drug resistance, and potential therapeutic targeting. These antibodies also aid in exploring BCAR1’s interactions within signaling networks, offering insights into its clinical relevance as a biomarker or intervention target.