Homeobox protein Mohawk, also known as iroquois homeobox protein-like 1, is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''MKX'' (mohawk homeobox)
gene
In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...
.
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.
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. MKX binds directly to the promoter of MyoD and represses its expression, negatively regulating muscle differentiation.
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, and MKX is essential in this mechanosensory process.
References
Further reading
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