XK : X-linked Kx blood group antigen, Kell and VPS13A binding protein
Description
The XK (X-linked Kx blood group antigen, Kell and VPS13A binding protein) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome X.
The XK gene provides instructions for making a protein found in various tissues, including the brain, muscles, and heart. This protein is also present on the surface of red blood cells, where it carries the Kx blood group antigen. Blood group antigens influence blood types and can trigger immune responses when incompatible blood is introduced into the body. The exact function of the XK protein is not fully understood, but it is thought to be involved in transporting substances in and out of cells. On red blood cells, XK attaches to the Kell protein, forming a complex with an unknown function.
The XK protein facilitates the movement of the lipid transfer protein VPS13A from lipid droplets to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane.
XK is also known as KX, NA, NAC, X1k, XKR1.
