BST1

BST1 Full Name

bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1

BST1 Introduction

Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 1, widely known in the scientific community as BST1, is a cell surface molecule that plays a dual role in human biology as both an enzyme and a receptor. Originally discovered in bone marrow stromal cells—supporting cells that help regulate blood cell production—it is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. BST1 belongs to the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family and shares significant structural and functional homology with CD38. It is expressed on a variety of cell types, including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, B cells, and vascular endothelial cells, making it a critical player in both the immune system and tissue homeostasis.

Figure 1. Strcuture of BST1.

Association with Human Diseases
BST1 has been implicated in several pathological conditions, most prominently in autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have consistently identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the BST1 gene as a significant genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), though its precise role in PD pathogenesis is still under investigation. Additionally, elevated BST1 expression is observed in the synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where it is thought to promote leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory cytokine production, driving joint destruction.

Expression Regulation and Signaling Mechanisms
The expression of BST1 is tightly regulated by inflammatory stimuli. Cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) can upregulate its expression on endothelial and myeloid cells. Functionally, BST1 operates through both receptor-mediated and enzyme-mediated mechanisms. As a receptor, it can transduce signals that regulate cell adhesion and migration. Through its enzymatic activity, it generates cADPR from NAD+, which triggers calcium release from intracellular stores via ryanodine receptors, modulating diverse cellular responses from immune activation to neuronal function.

Alternate Names for BST1

BST1; bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1; CD157; ADP-ribosyl cyclase/cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase 2; BST-1; cADPr hydrolase 2; NAD(+) nucleosidase; ADP-ribosyl cyclase 2; bone marrow stromal antigen 1; cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase 2;