MKX
Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Homeobox protein Mohawk, also known as iroquois homeobox protein-like 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MKX (mohawk homeobox) gene.[5] MKX is a member of an Iroquois (IRX) family-related class of 'three-amino acid loop extension' (TALE) atypical homeobox proteins characterized by 3 additional amino acids in the loop region between helix I and helix II of the homeodomain.[5][6]
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| Aliases | MKX, C10orf48, IFRX, IRXL1, mohawk homeobox | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| External IDs | OMIM: 601332; MGI: 2687286; HomoloGene: 72239; GeneCards: MKX; OMA:MKX - orthologs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Function
MKX is a transcription factor that regulates tendon differentiation during embryological development. Knocking out this gene in mouse embryos results in them developing hypoplastic tendons containing less type I collagen.[7] MKX binds directly to the promoter of MyoD and represses its expression, negatively regulating muscle differentiation.[8]
Expression of MKX is maintained in adult tendon tissues, decreasing as a result of ageing or osteoarthritis. Collagen fibres in tendons become more dense and thick following mechanical stimulation as a result of exercise,[9] and MKX is essential in this mechanosensory process.[10]
