Biological functions of BAF57, its role in disease pathogenesis, and treatment: From molecular mechanisms to clinical translation.

Brahma-associated factor 57 (BAF57), known as SWI/SNF matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily E member 1 (SMARCE1), is a main subunit ubiquitously existing in mammalian SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes. BAF57 regulates diverse biological processes, including gene transcription, DNA recombination, repair, and replication. It plays a critical role in cell cycle control, cellular growth and development, skeletal muscle differentiation, and immune modulation. Beyond its fundamental biological functions, BAF57 was identified as a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring tumor-related, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders. In recent years, BAF57/SMARCE1 has attracted increasing attention as a biomarker and a therapeutic target for various diseases. This review systematically summarizes the structural characteristics, biological functions, and disease associations of BAF57/SMARCE1, and discusses its emerging applications and future prospects in clinical diagnosis and treatment.