DKK1
Description
The DKK1 (dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10.
DKK1, encoded by the DKK1 gene, is a secreted protein that inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway, playing a critical role in embryonic development. DKK1 interacts with LRP6 and KREMEN proteins, and elevated levels are linked to osteolytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma. Its role in inflammation-induced bone loss makes DKK1 a potential therapeutic target.
DKK1 antagonizes the canonical Wnt signaling pathway by preventing LRP5/6 from interacting with Wnt and by forming a ternary complex with KREMEN, which promotes the internalization of LRP5/6. DKK1 plays a crucial role in vertebrate development by locally inhibiting Wnt-regulated processes, including antero-posterior axial patterning, limb development, somitogenesis, and eye formation. In adults, DKK1 is implicated in bone formation, bone diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, DKK1 inhibits the pro-apoptotic function of KREMEN1 in a Wnt-independent manner, exhibiting anti-apoptotic activity.
DKK1 is also known as DKK-1, SK.
