DKK3
Description
The DKK3 (dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
DKK3 is a protein belonging to the Dickkopf family, encoded by the DKK3 gene. This secreted protein contains cysteine-rich regions and is involved in embryonic development through its interactions with the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK3 expression is reduced in various cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential role as a tumor suppressor gene. Alternative splicing generates multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein.
DKK3 antagonizes canonical Wnt signaling by inhibiting the interaction of LRP5/6 with Wnt. It also forms a ternary complex with KREMEN, a transmembrane protein, which promotes internalization of LRP5/6. DKK3 plays a crucial role in vertebrate development by locally inhibiting Wnt-regulated processes such as axial patterning, limb formation, somitogenesis, and eye development. In adults, DKK3 is implicated in bone formation and diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
DKK3 is also known as CRRL, REIC, RIG.