MDK Molecular Target Information Overview
Overview of MDK molecular targets
Midkine (MK or MDK) is a 15 kDa heparin-binding molecule, also known as neurite outgrowth promoting factor 2 (NEGF2), a protein encoded by the MDK gene. Midkine has pleiotropic effects, including cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, and fibrinolysis. Midkine expression has been found in a variety of cancer types, such as neuroblastoma, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and ovarian cancer. The serum concentration of Midkine in patients with these malignancies is much higher than that of normal people. In some cases, these high concentrations of Midkine also indicate a poor prognosis of the disease, such as neuroblastoma, glioma, and bladder cancer. Midkine binds to nucleolin on the cell surface as a low-affinity receptor. This binding can inhibit HIV infection.
Human MDK Molecular Target Information
Molecule name: MDK, midkine
Alias:
- amphiregulin-associated protein
- ARAP
- FLJ27379
- midgestation and kidney protein
- midkine (neurite growth-promoting factor 2)
- MK
- NEGF2
- neurite growth-promoting factor 2
- neurite outgrowth-promoting factor 2
- neurite outgrowth-promoting protein
- retinoic acid inducible factor
Gene sequence:NCBI_Gene: 4192
Protein sequence:UniProtKB: P21741
Human MDK target molecular function (prediction)
Enables heparan sulfate binding activity and heparin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of apoptotic process; positive regulation of cell migration; and regulation of leukocyte cell-cell adhesion. Colocalizes with collagen-containing extracellular matrix. Implicated in brain ischemia. Biomarker of endometriosis.
Mouse Mdk molecular target information
Molecular name: Mdk, midkine
Alias:
- Mek
- midgestation embryo & kidney gene
- MK
Gene sequence:NCBI_Gene: 17242
Protein sequence:
Mouse Mdk target molecular function (prediction)
Acts upstream of or within cerebral cortex development and dentate regulation gyrus development. Predicted to be located in cell projection and cytoplasm. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; brain; genitourinary system; respiratory system; and sensory organ. Used to study schizophrenia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in brain ischemia. Orthologous to human MDK (midkine).
Rat Mdk molecular target information
Molecular name: Mdk, midkine
Alias:
- MK
Gene sequence:NCBI_Gene: 81517
Protein sequence:
Rat Mdk target molecular function (prediction)
Predicted to enable glycosaminoglycan binding activity and growth factor activity. Involved in several processes, including adrenal gland development; response to glucocorticoid; and response to wounding. Located in cell projection and cytoplasm. Used to study brain infarction and coronary stenosis. Biomarker of myocardial infarction. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in brain ischemia. Orthologous to human MDK (midkine).