Iron in Cancer Progression: Does BACH1 Promote Metastasis by Altering Iron Homeostasis?

The transcription factor BACH1, which is regulated by direct binding of prosthetic group heme, promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drives metastasis of diverse types of cancer cells. De-regulated target genes of BACH1 in cancer cells include those for glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, epithelial cell adhesion, and mesodermal cell motility. In addition, the canonical target genes of BACH1 include genes for the regulation of iron homeostasis. Importantly, cancer cells are addicted to iron. We summarize known functions of BACH1 in cancer and discuss how BACH1 may affect iron homeostasis in cancer cells to support their progression by increasing mobile iron within cells. The dependency on BACH1 for cancer progression may also confer upon cancer cells susceptibility to iron-dependent cell death ferroptosis. Finally, we discuss that the human transcription factors provide research opportunities for better understanding of cancer cell properties.