Midkine (Neurite Growth-Promoting Factor 2) (MDK) ELISA Kit for Mouse

This gene encodes a secreted growth factor that belongs to the pleiotrophin/midkine heparin-binding protein family and functions in a variety of biological processes. The encoded cytokine promotes the growth, differentiation, survival and migration of several target cells including leucocytes involved in inflammation. This protein plays a role in the formation of scar tissue and intraperitoneal adhesions, and promotes neurite outgrowth and neuron survival. The protein encoded by this gene is associated with obesity and inhibition of insulin signaling in fat cells. A pseudogene of this gene is present on chromosome 11. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2014]

MDK: Developmentally regulated, secreted growth factor homologous to pleiotrophin (PTN), which has heparin binding activity. Binds anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) which induces ALK activation and subsequent phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS1), followed by the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3-kinase, and the induction of cell proliferation. Involved in neointima formation after arterial injury, possibly by mediating leukocyte recruitment. Also involved in early fetal adrenal gland development. Belongs to the pleiotrophin family.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted

Cellular Component: cell projection; cytoplasm; extracellular region

Molecular Function: heparin binding; growth factor activity

Biological Process: cell migration; behavioral fear response; short-term memory; cerebellar granular layer development; adrenal gland development; multicellular organismal development; positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; positive regulation of cell division; hippocampus development; response to wounding; negative regulation of neuron apoptosis; cell differentiation; defecation; regulation of behavior