Midkine

Midkine (also known as MK, NEGF2, or MDK) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MDK gene. Midkine is a heparin-binding growth factor that is expressed in various cell types during embryogenesis. It promotes angiogenesis, cell growth, and cell migration.

Function

Midkine is a retinoic acid-responsive, heparin-binding growth factor that is expressed in various cell types during embryogenesis. It promotes angiogenesis, cell growth, and cell migration. Midkine is also expressed in several carcinoma cell lines, suggesting that it may play a role in tumor genesis, perhaps through its effects on angiogenesis.

Clinical significance

Midkine is overexpressed in many cancers, including ovarian cancer, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumor. It is also overexpressed in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Because of its overexpression in these diseases, midkine is a potential target for drug therapy.

See also

• Pleiotrophin
• Retinoic acid

External links

• GeneCards: MDK

Midkine Resources
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