HGNC ID: 6972
Target Abstract:
Midkine (MK or MDK) is a 15 kDa heparin-binding molecule also known as neural axon growth promoter factor 2 (NEGF2), a protein encoded by the MDK gene.Midkine is pleiotropic, exerting effects on cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, and fibrinolysis. Midkine expression has been found in a variety of cancer types such as neuroblastoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ovarian cancer. Serum concentrations of Midkine are much higher in patients with these malignant tumors than in normal subjects. In some cases, these high levels of Midkine also portend a poorer prognosis for the disease, such as neuroblastoma, glioma, and bladder cancer.Midkine acts as a low-affinity receptor that binds to nucleolin on the cell surface. This binding inhibits HIV infection.
MDK Target Infomation Overview
- Target Symbol: MDK, midkine
- Alias: MK; FLJ27379
- Previous Names: NEGF2
- Alias Names: neurite growth-promoting factor 2
MDK, midkine Target Infomation by Species
- Human
- Mouse
- Rat
Human MDK Target Information
- Target Symbol: 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
- NCBI_Gene: 4192
- UniProtKB: P21741
Human MDK Predicted Functions
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 Target Information
- Target Symbol: Mdk, midkine
- Alias:
- Mek
- midgestation embryo & kidney gene
- MK
- NCBI_Gene: 17242
Mouse Mdk Predicted Functions
Enables chondroitin sulfate binding activity and heparin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of apoptotic process; positive regulation of cell adhesion; and positive regulation of leukocyte migration. Acts upstream of or within cerebral cortex development and dentate 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 Target Information
- Target Symbol: Mdk, midkine
- Alias:
- MK
- NCBI_Gene: 81517
Rat Mdk Predicted Functions
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).
