MKX

MKX (also known as Matrix Gla Protein) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MKX gene. It is a member of the Gla protein family and plays a crucial role in embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis.

Function

MKX is a transcription factor that is involved in the regulation of chondrogenesis, the process by which cartilage is formed from condensed mesenchyme tissue. It is expressed in the nucleus of cells and binds to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the transcription of genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the MKX gene have been associated with idiopathic scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Research has shown that MKX plays a role in the development and maintenance of the vertebral column, and disruptions in this process can lead to spinal deformities.

See also

• Gla protein
• Chondrogenesis
• Idiopathic scoliosis

References

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