B cell lineage-specific activator protein (BSAP) a player at multiple stages of B cell development

B cell lineage-specific activator protein (BSAP), encoded by the Pax 5 gene, is a critical modulator of early B cell differentiation. Binding sites for BSAP have been identified in the promoters of multiple genes as well as at multiple sites within the IgH locus. While in vivo target sites critical for early B cell differentiation have not yet been identified, candidate sites include a 3' IgH enhancer that is active early in B cell development. BSAP may play an additional role later in development, such as in the regulation of isotype class switching.